Baseball Connection: Recent Episodes
Baseball Connection
The Cleveland Guardians have the best record in baseball. They've done it with a hot offense that just keeps mashing. Steven Kwan almost has enough plate appearances to qualify for a league-leading batting average. The NL MVP race has two frontrunners at the moment: Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper. Ohtani isn't even pitching this year but remains an MVP frontrunner. Paul Skenes has met every expectation so far in his young career. Could we see him at the All-Start Game? Mets top prospect 3B Mark Vientos already had his second multi-HR game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The top half of the Yankees lineup is on fire and Aaron Judge is in the midst of it. After a blistering month of May, Judge finds himself atop the MLB home run leaderboard and firmly in contention for AL MVP. The Phillies have baseball's best record. They've had had an easy schedule so far, but Philadelphia continues to capitalize. Ranger Suarez exited his start after taking a line drive to his pitching hand, but the Phillies believe he avoided the worst. Bryce Harper stays mashing. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Some hitters get hot along with the weather. The season is in full stride and 10 hitters who got off to cold starts are putting up big numbers. Aaron Judge looks like his MVP self, and Bryson Stott has quietly been one of the best hitters in baseball this month. The Yankees trio of Soto/Judge/Stanton has become their modern day Murderer's Row. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Top pitching prospect Paul Skenes made his highly anticipated MLB debut on Saturday for the Pirates. Pitching in front of the home crowd, Skenes showed his high-octane fastball right away. This was billed as the most anticipated pitching debut since Stephen Strasburg in 2010. The circumstances were similar, but Skenes isn't bringing a unique repertoire like Strasburg did back then. Jordan Westburg has quietly had an elite season for the Orioles. Westburg's walk-off single capped a 4-5 day at the plate. The Braves were one out away from completed a combined no-hitter. All this (and more) on today's episode
There's almost nothing on the baseball field Shohei Ohtani can't do. Ohtani is strictly a DH this year. He leads the league in several offensive categories, and he's stealing bases too. Walker Buehler returned to MLB action for the first time since Tommy John Surgery in 2022 (for the second time in his career). Colton Cowser & Mason Miller lead the Rookie of the Year race in the American League, while Shoto Imanaga leads it in the National League. All this (and more) on today's episode.
As the season's first full month nears completion, we take a peek at the standings for the first time. The Houston Astros find themselves at the bottom of the AL West. It's not time to panic yet. Tarik Skubal has been baseball's best pitcher since last September. The Tigers lefty tossed another gem and has fully earned "ace" status. The Guardians and Braves met over the weekend in a battle of baseball's top two teams. The Twins have won seven straight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Elly De La Cruz has an elite blend of power and speed. Things get exciting when he puts them all together like he did on Monday night. De La Cruz hit a 450-foot blast off the batter's eye in center field, then followed it up with an inside-the-park home run. The Padres were down 0-8 until they charged back in the late innings. Fernando Tatis Jr's 2-run homer was the decisive blow. Shohei Ohtani has been on a tear in the last 5 games and Mike Trout's power stroke is locked in. Trout is tied for the MLB lead with 5 HRs. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Eury Perez & Shane Bieber are slated to undergo Tommy John Surgery. Both pitchers were facing a year full of promise, which all goes out the window. Spencer Strider exited his Friday start after showing decreased velocity and mentioning elbow pain. Are pitcher injuries up this year? Does the pitch clock have anything to do with it? Giants starter Jordan Hicks has made a smooth transition from the bullpen this year. Ryan McMahon blasted a walk-off grand slam. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ronel Blanco is the author of this season's first no-hitter. The Astros' fifth starter looked like an ace on Monday night against the Blue Jays. Blanco has been a reliever for most of his career, but he's certainly earned his keep in the starting rotation for now. Mike Trout is hitting moonshots in Miami. Shota Imanaga was sharp in his MLB debut, carrying a no-hit bid into the sixth inning. The Pirates have won 5 straight games. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The season's first weekend is in the books. Juan Soto is still a menace at the plate. Soto's go-ahead single in the ninth against Astros closer Josh Hader helped book the Yankees' 4-game sweep in Houston. Will Benson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit back-to-back homers to win it for Cincinnati. The Pirates are 4-0 to start the year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Corbin Burnes showed everyone why the Orioles cashed in their chips to trade for him. Burnes retired 18 of the 19 batters he faced on Opening Day, including 11 strikeouts. Juan Soto flashed both offense and defense by reaching base 3 times and throwing out the potential game-tying run at home plate. Tyler O'Neill homered for the 5th consecutive Opening Day - a feat no known player has done before. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Opening Day has arrived. The Dodgers and Padres got things started with the Korea Series last week, but everyone else joins the action today. Aces are on the mound and everyone is even in the standings. Let the games begin!
Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani's name has been found within a gambling investigation. At least $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani's bank account to an illegal bookmaker. Ohtani's camp initially said the transactions were made by Ohtani himself to pay off his interpreter's gambling debt. Now Ohtani's camp say he was the victim of "massive theft". The Dodgers have fired Ohtani's interpreter. What's going on here? What are the implications? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres acquired Dylan Cease, bringing and end to longstanding speculation surrounding the star pitcher. Cease has always been an innings-eater, but what will his run prevention look like in 2024? The Astros are in "win now" mode but will be without several key pitchers to start the season? Houston is reportedly in serious talks with Blake Snell, who remains a free agent with the season just 11 days away. Gerrit Cole and Devin Williams will each miss about 3 months with their respective injuries. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Blake Snell still doesn't have a team yet. Will Snell take a less-than-desired deal from the Yankees or will another team meet his asking price? Cody Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs on a 3-year, $80 million deal with opt outs. Brandon Crawford is a Giant no more, but will he even start on his new team? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Giants need help on offense. They haven't had a hitter belt 30+ home runs since Barry Bonds in 2004. This is why they've signed Jorge Soler to a 3-year, $42 million deal. No ballpark is too big to contain Soler, who is an easy threat for 30+ home runs if he stays healthy. The Padres are making a swap in their middle infield alignment. Xander Bogaerts will play 2B and Ha-Seong Kim will play SS. Spring Training is underway. Which top prospects will break camp? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Royals and Bobby Witt Jr. have agreed to an 11-year, $288.78 million extension. Kansas City locks in their budding young star - a move which can kickstart a genuine attempt to return to relevance. It's the largest contract in team history so the Royals will likely add more pieces to build around Witt Jr. Jose Altuve will be an Astro for life. Altuve was set to be a free agent after the upcoming season but the Astros signed him to a 5-year, $125 million extension. Even at age 34, Altuve is still one of the the game's best players. Clayton Kershaw is back in LA - not that anyone expected him to go anywhere. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Corbin Burnes is on the move. Burnes is heading to Baltimore to join the American League's new juggernaut. The Orioles will surround Burnes with young talent. Baltimore has boasted baseball's best farm system for a while now and those prospects are now turning into MLB stars. The Brewers received rookie infielder Joey Ortiz and LHP D.L. Hall in return. Justin Turner signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Blue Jays. Why are the Red Sox so afraid to spend? Carlos Santana signed with the Twins and Alex Wood signed with the A's. All this (and much more) on today's episode.
The 2024 Hall of Fame class has been announced. Adrián Beltré, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton will be this year's inductees. Beltré and Mauer were each first-ballot inductees and Helton was on the sixth ballot. Billy Wagner was just 4 votes shy of making it. He'll be on the ballot for the final time next year. The Dodgers have done a lot to address their starting pitching concerns this offseason. LA just added James Paxton to the back of their rotation. Rhys Hoskins agreed to a 2-year, $34 million deal with the Brewers. Josh Hader signed with the Astros on a 5-year, $95 million deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Teoscar Hernandez, Marcus Stroman, Shoto Imanaga, and Jordan Hicks all agreed to notable free agent deals within the past week. Hernandez brings a solid bat to LA while the remaining three are key starting pitchers. And yes, that includes Jordan Hicks. The Giants gave Hicks a 4-year, $44 million deal with the plan of converting him to a starter this year. Juan Soto agreed to the largest-ever arbitration deal. Soto can lock in big money with another strong season this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mariners and Giants pulled off a big trade where Seattle sent Robbie Ray to San Francisco in exchange for Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani. Michael Brantley has called it a career. The Cleveland legend won a World Series with the Astros and was one of the best pure hitters of the past generation. The Cardinals and Rays pulled off an interesting trade. Sean Manaea signed with the Mets. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Red Sox signed Lucas Giolito to a two-year deal. They also traded Chris Sale to the Braves in exchange for infielder Vaughn Grissom. Boston will eat the bulk of Sale's 2024 salary. Grissom will step in right away as the Red Sox starting 2B after being buried in the depth chart in Atlanta. Does Chris Sale have anything left in the tank? Frankie Montas signed with the Reds and Zach Plesac signed with the Angels. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays brought back Kevin Kiermaier on a 1-year deal and brought in Isiah Kiner-Falefa on a 2-year deal. Toronto is shoring up their defense and still have plenty of wiggle room this offseason. The reigning NL Cy Young winner is still on the market and the Angels and Giants are interested. News is coming out from the Dominican Republic surrounding an investigation into Rays SS Wander Franco. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is off the market. The top Japanese RHP has agreed to a 12 year, $325 million offer from the Dodgers. Yamamoto declined other strong offers including a 10-year $300 deal from the Yankees. In just a few weeks, the Dodgers have assembled a superteam. Their rotation now includes Buehler, Glasnow, and Yamamoto. Their already-loaded lineup now features Ohtani. There is another top Japanese free agent arm remaining on the market. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The details of Shohei Ohtani's contract have been reported. Ohtani essentially agreed to a 10-year, $460 million deal after accounting for deferrals. The Royals must be tired of losing - they made several signings this week. Korean star outfielder Jung Hoo Lee signed with the Giants on a 6-year, $113 million contract. Who is he and what can we expect? All this (and much more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani has agreed to join the Dodgers on a 10-year, $700 million deal. It's the largest guarantee in sports history. Many rumors flew speculating that Ohtani might join the Blue Jays but it was Dodgers that won his services at the end of the day. Ohtani will be a DH in 2024, so the Dodgers are still in dire need of pitching. The next big domino on the market is Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Red Sox acquired 2x Gold Glove winner Tyler O'Neill from the Cardinals. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees outfield overhaul is complete. The Yankees and Padres completed a blockbuster trade which is sending Juan Soto to New York. We discuss the full seven-player swap. Eduardo Rodriguez agreed to a 4-year, $80 million deal with the Diamondbacks. Jeimer Candelario agreed to a 3-year $45 million deal with the Reds. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Red Sox and Yankees don't trade often but they just swung a deal. Alex Verdugo is headed to the Yankees in exchange for 3 minor league pitchers. The Yankees have been clear about their intention to add left-handed hitting outfielders this offseason. Will a Juan Soto trade of Cody Bellinger signing be next for New York? The Braves acquired Jarred Kelenic in a trade with the Mariners. Kelenic is still very young and hasn't reached his potential yet. The Brewers signed top prospect Jackson Chourio to an 8-year, $82 million deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Sonny Gray has agreed to a 3-year, $75 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. Gray finished 2nd in the AL Cy Young race in a stellar campaign for the Twins. The Cardinals did what they said they would do: Add 3 pitchers, including an ace. The White Sox seem to be in rebuild mode. Dylan Cease is the latest White Sox name on the trade block. Brewers fans should get familiar with the name Jackson Chourio. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cardinals haven't been shy about their goal to add pitching this offseason. They just signed a pair of 36-year old RHPs in Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson, and have room for at least one more. Will they make a run at one of the bigger names? The Mariners traded Eugenio Suarez to the D-Backs in exchange for Carlos Vargas and Seby Zavala. Is this the missing piece for Arizona? Japanese star RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto has officially hit the open market, and reportedly more than half of MLB is interested. Yamamoto is only 25 years old and is in line for a large payday. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Nola's stay on the free agent market didn't last long. Nola agreed to terms with the Phillies on a 7-year, $172 million deal. Nola remains with the only MLB team he's pitched for. Who will be the next domino to fall? The Guardians traded Cal Quantrill and the Braves traded Kyle Wright. The Mariners are reportedly opted out of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes. All this (and more) on today's episode.
All major awards have been announced for the 2023 season. Gerrit Cole and Blake Snell are the AL & NL Cy Young award winners. Cole wins his first career Cy while Snell wins his second. Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuna Jr. were each unanimous MVP winners in their respective leagues. Ohtani won his 2nd MVP in 3 years. Acuna turned in historic power-speed numbers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The future is bright for the Orioles and D-Backs. Each team is led by their league's 2023 Rookie of the Year winner. Offense was the calling card for each player in 2023. Both Carroll and Henderson are sparkplug atop their respective lineups and can drive the ball out of the yard. Service time manipulation has fallen by the wayside with baseball's new rules. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Phillies announced that Bryce Harper will be their everyday first baseman moving forward. This essentially marks the end of Rhys Hoskins' tenure in Philadelphia as he'll search for a new team during free agency. Yankees GM Brian Cashman told the media the Yankees largely struggled due to injuries. Is he wrong? Could we see Juan Soto in pinstripes next year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The 2023 Gold Glove Award winners were announced. This year's group features 13 first-timers. Anthony Volpe and Brenton Doyle were the only rookies to win it in their respective leagues. With so many new faces, we're seeing a changing of the guard in baseball. The Cubs have hired Craig Counsell to be their next manager on the largest managerial contract (5 years, $40 million) in baseball history. The Guardians believe in Steven Vogt. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Texas Rangers have won the World Series. This is their first ever championship as a franchise - 52 years in the making. Corey Seager took home World Series MVP. We saw the Rangers overcome huge injury blows to their roster this year. Are they primed to run it back? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The beat goes on for the Texas Rangers as they secured their 10th straight road win this postseason. Marcus Semien hit a HR and a 3B while Corey Seager stayed hot with his 6th HR of the postseason. Texas takes a 3-1 series lead into Game 5 where they look to clinch their first ever World Series title. All this on today's episode.
The Diamondbacks tied the World Series at one game apiece behind a masterful outing from Merrill Kelly and strong days at the plate from Tommy Pham and Gabriel Moreno. Game 3 will be in Arizona as both teams look for an edge. Will Max Scherzer have any flashes of his former self? Will young RHP Brandon Pfaadt continue his postseason brilliance? All this on today's episode.
You'll have to contain Corey Seager and Adolis Garcia to beat the Rangers these days. The Diamondbacks failed to do that in Game 1 of the World Series. Seager hit a game-tying two-run homer in the ninth inning. Two innings later, Garcia belted a walk-off homer to right field - his 3rd hit of the night. Can the D-Backs stop this duo? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Texas Rangers are headed to the World Series. The Rangers defeated the Astros 11-4 in Game 7 of the ALCS. They were led by a series-MVP performance from Adolis Garcia, who collected 2 homers and 5 RBIs as part of a 4-hit night. The D-Backs beat the Phillies and forced a Game 7. The Rangers await the winner of that matchup. All this on today's episode.
There will be a Game 7 in the ALCS. The Rangers continued the streak of the road team winning every game in the series as Nathan Eovaldi delivered yet another strong outing. Jonah Heim, Mitch Garver, and Adolis Garcia each hit big home runs to aid the effort. The NLCS resumes in Philadelphia with the same matchup we saw in Game 3 - Aaron Nola vs. Merrill Kelly. What should we expect this time around? All this on today's episode.
We saw epic postseason baseball in each LCS game on Friday night. Jose Altuve hit a 3-run HR in the 9th inning to save the day for the Astros. The Rangers have struggled to contain Jose Altuve all year. Alek Thomas came off the bench and delivered a game-tying HR for the D-Backs in the bottom of the 8th, before Gabriel Moreno hit a go-ahead single, as the D-Backs won to tie the NLCS at 2-2. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros punched back in Game 3 of the ALCS. Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez led the way for Houston en-route to an 8-5 victory. Expect more offense from both sides in Game 4. For the first time since 2012, Nolan Arenado will not win the Gold Glove award for National League third basemen. What other surprises were unveiled with the list of finalists? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Phillies routed the D-Backs 10-0 in Game 2 of the NLCS. Aaron Nola tossed 6 scoreless innings and Kyle Schwarber blasted 2 HRs to pace the home team. The Phillies will carry a 2-0 series lead to Arizona. The Rangers are turning to Max Scherzer in Game 3. Scherzer has been out with an injury for about a month. He'll face a tough task with a hungry Astros lineup. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jordan Montgomery secured the victory for the Rangers in Game 1 of the ALCS in Houston. The Rangers had not played well at Minute Maid Park in recent years so winning the first game sets a nice tone for them. The NLCS is set to begin with what looks like a pitcher's duel... on paper. All this (and more) on today's episode.
For the second straight year, the Phillies defeated the Braves to clinch another appearance in the NLCS. Philly's bats got hot and they rode their home crowd energy, but the Braves looked flat all series long. With 3 out of 4 of this year's #1 seeds heading home early, many are wondering if MLB should change the playoff format so top seeds don't have such a long wait. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rangers swept the Orioles to advance to the ALCS. Will they have a Lone Star Showdown with Houston, or will the Twins defy odds? The Dodgers are in an 0-2 hole that they'll have to hit their way out of. Rintaro Sasaki is holds Japan's record for most high school home runs (140 HRs). He's looking to skip the NPB Draft and attend a US University in 2025. Early reports mention Vanderbilt and California as interested programs. All this (and more) on today's episode
Mitch Garver's grand slam gave the Rangers an early 9-2 lead in Game 2 of the ALDS. The Orioles made it interesting later but ultimately fell short as the Rangers won 11-8. Pablo Lopez delivered a masterful performance on the mound against the Astros with 7 scorless innings. The Twins offense chased Astros starter Framber Valdez in the 5th inning. Minnesota tied the series and heads home for the next two games. The NLDS resumes on Monday. Are these must-wins for the Braves and Dodgers? All this on today's episode.
Clayton Kershaw just can't get it done on the big stage. The future Hall of Famer has been plagued by postseason struggles his entire career. Saturday night was his worst playoff start yet. The Phillies handed the Braves their first shutout loss at home since August 2021. Another year, another strong Astros ALDS performance. The Rangers took Game 1 of their series against the Orioles. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Division Series are here. Playoff baseball has returned to Baltimore for the first time since 2016. Can the O's fend of the Rangers? Correa & Lewis have formed a nice 1-2 punch for the Twins. They'll have their hands full in Houston against the defending champs. A Phillies-Braves rematch is here. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The 2023 regular season has come to a close. Miguel Cabrera got a nice farewell in front of the home crowd in Detroit. We take a look at all the major statistical leaders. The Astros ended up winning the AL West because that's all they know. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rangers, Astros, D-Backs, Marlins, and Blue Jays punched their ticket to the postseason on Saturday. Even at that, the AL West champion is yet to be decided. The Rangers control their own destiny on Sunday. Corey Seager and Yandy Diaz enter the season's final day in a tight race for AL batting title. Did the Mariners miss out on the postseason because they're too cheap? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rangers made a statement by sweeping the Mariners in a 3-game series over the weekend. With one week remaining, the Rangers have a 2.5 game lead in the AL West with the Astros and Mariners jockeying for the last American League playoff spot. This week's Astros-Mariners series has huge implications. Can Corey Seager win the batting title? Can Ronald Acuna Jr. get the Braves single-season hits record? Will the Orioles reach 100 wins? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ronald Acuña Jr. has become only the fifth player to record a 40-40 season. He's the first ever to have a 40-60 season. Are we looking at this year's NL MVP? The Twins clinched the AL Central. Minnesota's success largely came on the heels of a strong second half led by young players. The Twins search for their first postseason since 2004. Freddie Freeman notched his 200th hit of the season, reaching a career-long goal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adam Wainwright notched his 200th career win. It was a season-long goal for the Cardinals legend which saw him endure many rough patches but Wainwright finally got his 200th win. Cedric Mullins hit a go-ahead 3-run HR in the ninth to push the Orioles past the Astros. The Braves and Dodgers are evaluating their pitching options ahead of October. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Logan Webb is a dark horse candidate for NL Cy Young. The MLB innings-pitched leader delivered an 8IP 1ER masterpiece on Friday night but the Giants still lost and fell out of the last Wild Card spot. Shohei Ohtani's locker was cleaned out on Friday. Is this the end of his Angels tenure? Twins rookie Royce Lewis is Mr. Grand Slam. For the first time since July 21, the Rays claimed a share of first place in the AL East. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros flirted with a combined no-hitter to avoid what would have been a shocking sweep. Blake Snell punctuated his case for the NL Cy Young award by tossing six scoreless innings against the Dodgers on Wednesday. Snell sports an MLB-best 2.43 ERA and has been an ace against all levels of offense this year. The Braves clinched their sixth straight NL East title. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's not too often that your leadoff hitter drives in 100+ runs, but Mookie Betts isn't your average leadoff hitter. Julio Rodriguez joined the 30-30 club but the Mariners have stumbled as of late. Brandon Woodruff tossed a complete game shutout as the Brewers held onto first place. Matt Olson has 50 HRs and 127 RBI. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves clinched a postseason berth with a win on Sunday. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson were in the thick of it, as usual. Yankees rookie Jasson Dominguez has suffered a torn UCL and will need surgery. Dominguez will likely be out until the second half of 2024. Dominguez has shown promise in his short stint at the MLB level. This will just be a blip on the radar for the 20-year old prospect. The Astros are on fire - just in time for another deep playoff push. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Can Ronald Acuña Jr. hit 6 more home runs in 23 games? That's what he'll need to do to become the 5th player to join the exclusive 40-40 club. Would that put Acuña back on top of the MVP race? The D-Backs are still holding onto a playoff spot. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jose Altuve has been back with a vengeance for Houston over the past month. His latest feat was a 3-homer game (in 3 straight at-bats) against the Rangers to keep the Astros atop the AL West. Elly De La Cruz showed his game-changing speed on the basepaths as the playoff-hopeful Cincinnati Reds walked off the Mariners. Giancarlo Stanton hit his 400th career home run. Can he stay healthy enough to get to 500? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Angels will have a lot of explaining to do when the season ends. Things aren't looking pretty in Anaheim. Jasson Dominguez homered off Justin Verlander in his first MLB at-bat. What should we expect from Mets top prospect SS Ronny Mauricio? All this (and more) on today's episode.
In the span of thirty days, the Dodgers increased their NL West lead from 2.5 games to 14.5 games. Jasson "The Martian" Dominguez will be making his MLB debut for the Yankees. He's been compared to Bo Jackson, Mickey Mantle, and Mike Trout, but temper your expectations for the 20-year old. The Braves set a new franchise record for HRs in a season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Giants RHP Alex Cobb was one out away from a no-hitter but he couldn't quite seal the deal. Should Mookie Betts be the frontrunner for NL MVP? The Astros had their full lineup active for the first time all season. Some say the American League still runs through Houston. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander faced off one last time. Two Tigers legends and future Hall of Famers. Miggy & JV are perhaps the best pitcher and best hitter of their generation. The Mariners stand alone atop the AL West and nobody wants to play them right now. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Félix Bautista's sensational season might be coming to a close. Bautista suffered "some degree of injury" to his ulnar collateral ligament. The All-Star closer has been one of baseball's best this year. How will the Orioles respond? The Cubs called up their no. 10 prospect, Jordan Wicks, to start Saturday's game in Pittsburgh. The LHP looked sharp in 5 innings of 1-run ball with 9 strikeouts. The Mariners hit 7 HRs as they routed the Royals and held their place atop the AL West. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani has a torn UCL and is done pitching for the rest of the year. How many millions of dollars did Ohtani just lose for this upcoming free agency? Mike Trout went back on the IL yet again. Stephen Strasburg will retire, putting an end to a brief but brilliant career. The Seattle Mariners are the talk of the AL West - grabbing a share of first place in what's been a turnaround summer. Mookie Betts made his return to Boston for the first time since being traded to the Dodgers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mariners have won 8 straight and now sit just 1 game out from first place in the AL West. Yankees have lost 9 straight as they call up minor leaguers in search for answers. Trea Turner has been swinging a hot bat in August. Turner's walkoff single was the latest special moment in Philadelphia. Is vintage Verlander back? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Gunnar Henderson pushed himself ahead as the frontrunner for American League Rookie of the Year with a 4 XBH day. Henderson is the youngest Oriole ever to collect 4 extra base hits in a game. The Red Sox swept the Yankees, Mariners swept the Astros, and Brewers swept the Rangers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Angels called up Nolan Schaunuel less than six weeks after drafting him. They put him in the leadoff spot and hope he can hold down 1B while CJ Cron is out. The Marlins put and end to the Dodgers' win streak by blasting 5 home runs on Friday. Jake Burger has flown under the radar all season but Miami is enjoying his big bat. Christian Encarnacion-Strand's walk-off HR was the latest of this year's Reds Rookie Magic. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bryce Elder threw seven shutout innings against the Yankees, turning in his best start of the second half. Elder's season began spectacularly and he was an All-Star but he had been struggling mightily in the second half of the season. Rays ace LHP Shane McClanahan will undergo Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2024 season. The Dodgers won the 9th straight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cedric Mullins didn't enter Sunday's game until the 6th inning, but that was plenty of time for him to rob a HR in the 9th inning and hit a go-ahead blast in the 10th. The Marlins currently hold the third NL Wild Card and their latest comeback victory makes them feel like a playoff team. Is anyone playing a better brand of baseball than the LA Dodgers right now? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Wander Franco blasted a walk-off HR to give the Rays victory on Friday night. The Rays are very much still in the hunt for the AL East title. Jon Singleton was the Astros' #1 prospect in 2014. He even signed a 5-year, $10 million deal before his MLB debut. After failing to stick in MLB and even being out of baseball briefly, Singleton has found his way back to the Astros lineup and hit 2 HRs to lead the way on Friday. Jordan Luplow thinks he's Craig Kimbrel... well, sort of. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Michael Lorenzen threw a no-hitter in his first home start for the Phillies. Acquired at the trade deadline to bolster the Phillies staff, Lorenzen has been spectacular in his first two starts with Philadelphia. Was this their missing piece for a playoff push? Emerson Hancock threw 5 strong innings in his MLB debut for the Mariners as Seattle won their 7th straight game. Kyle Tucker continues to anchor the middle of the Astros lineup. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rangers star 3B Josh Jung suffered a fractured thumb during Sunday's game while making the play on a 109 mph line drive off his glove. Jung could be back before the playoffs, depending on the severity of his fracture. Marlins star rookie RHP Eury Pérez spent the last month at Double-A in an attempt to lighten his workload. Pérez has been recalled and will start on Monday night as the Marlins continue to jockey for a Wild Card spot. Blue Jays rookie Davis Schneider has hit the ground running in his first 3 MLB games. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jose Ramirez and Tim Anderson threw punches in a bench-clearing altercation in Cleveland. What led up to this fight? Trea Turner has struggled all season long for the Phillies. The fans showered him with support (standing ovation) before each at-bat on Friday. On Saturday, he responded with a go-ahead 3-run homer and a curtain call. Corey Seager has been on fire since returning from the IL earlier this week. Seager homered again and the Rangers won their 5th straight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Michael Lorenzen, Jack Flaherty, and Max Scherzer each took the mound for their new teams on Thursday. All led their teams to victory, kicking off what they hope is an effective stretch run towards the postseason. Ryan Mountcastle loves to hit in Toronto. The postseason picture still has many uncertainties as several teams jockey for Divisional and Wild Card positions. All this (and more) on today's episode.
On the same day the Astros brought back Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez threw a no-hitter for Houston. Valdez only needed 93 pitches to accomplish the feat. The Astros have strong momentum heading into the last two months of the season. The Dodgers had a trade in place for Tigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez but E-Rod exercised his no-trade clause and will remain in Detroit. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The trade deadline is just hours away. Jeimer Candelario and Jose Cuas are heading to Chicago. In a separate trade, Paul Sewald heads to Arizona to fortify their bullpen. Justin Verlander and Eduardo Rodriguez are the two biggest names remaining on the trade block today. Bo Bichette appeared to hurt his knee. What was the extent and will the Blue Jays seek reinforcements? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets dealt Max Scherzer to the Rangers in exchange for Luisangel Acuna. Justin Verlander might be next to go. The Blue Jays acquired Jordan Hicks to bolster their bullpen. Plenty of trades have occurred with more to come. The Orioles shined during their first Sunday Night Baseball game since 2018. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Chicago Cubs have a 7 game win streak and have won 9 of their last 10. Suddenly, Chicago is in the playoff picture and have no reason to sell. Mike Tauchman robbed what would've been a walkoff HR by the Cardinals, sealing an epic victory in the rivalry. Anthony Santander's walk-off HR was the only run the Orioles needed to defeat the Yankees, thanks to the best start of Grayson Rodriguez's young career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani threw a 1-hit shutout in Game 1 of a doubleheader. He hit 2 home runs in Game 2. Major League Baseball isn't supposed to be this easy but Ohtani is quite a special player. The Angels are buyers and so are the Red Sox. A few weeks have made all the difference for each club. Padres stars Juan Soto, Josh Hader, and Blake Snell are drawing trade interest. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Trade season is in full swing. Just hours after announcing that Shohei Ohtani will not be traded, the Angels acquired Lucas Giolito in exchange for two of their top three prospects. With Ohtani as good as gone this winter, the Angels are putting all their chips on the table. The Dodgers got rid of Noah Syndergaard in exchange for Amed Rosario to beef up their shortstop platoon. Tempers flared in Houston after several hit by pitches, brushbacks, and homers, but the AL West race remains close. The Red Sox have baseball's best record since June 30. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Elly De La Cruz was robbed of a home run in the first inning but followed up with a no-doubter in his next at-bat against Milwaukee. This late in the season, divisional races like the NL Central and AL West have become so close that it's not clear who the frontrunners are. Thanks to his hot bat, Chas McCormick has started a career-high 14 straight games for the Astros. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Henry Davis came up through the Pirates system as a catcher but he's been playing a lot of RF lately to keep his bat in the lineup. That bat has been pretty strong so far. Scherzer and Verlander haven't delivered the results Mets fans expected this season. Triston Casas hit 2 of the 4 homers that Scherzer surrendered on Saturday. Austin Riley homered in the fifth straight game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Baltimore Orioles are in first place. The O's haven't been in first place this late in the season since 2016. Aaron Judge has the American League record for most HRs in a season, but he might only hold it for one year. Reds rookie LHP Andrew Abbott turned in another masterful performance with 8 shutout innings. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Some of the top picks of this year's draft have agreed to terms, including #1 overall pick Paul Skenes. Skenes agreed to a $9.2 million signing bonus - the highest ever. Expect to see Skenes on an MLB mound as early as next season. Offense was the theme around the league on Tuesday. The Dodgers' roster looks a bit different this year, but they're getting contributions from top to bottom. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani would net quite a haul at the trade deadline, but are the Angels brave enough to move him? Which team would benefit the most from acquiring Ohtani? Christian Yelich is having a bounceback season and the Brewers swept the Reds to maintain first place in the NL Central. Masataka Yoshida is running away with the AL Rookie of the Year race. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cody Bellinger is having a great bounce-back season. The Cubs will be hearing the phone ring in coming weeks, asking about his availability. Bellinger can be a free agent this winter. The Naylor brothers both homered in the same inning, marking the first such occurrence in Cleveland history. The Red Sox are the hottest team in baseball right now. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The All-Star game was a good one. The National League defeated the American League 3-2 in Seattle. It was a low-scoring affair with timely hitting and strong outfield defense. Elias Diaz won All-Star Game MVP thanks to his go-ahead 2-run homer. The Seattle crowd made their pitch to Shohei Ohtani, the premier upcoming free agent. All this on today's episode.
Paul Skenes went #1 overall to the Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft. This year's draft is the deepest we've seen in a while. The Guerrero bloodlines carry home run power. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won the Home Run Derby. He and his father became the first father-son duo to do so. Julio Rodriguez hit a record-setting 41 HRs in his first round, which lit the Seattle crowd on fire. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Matt Manning faced adversity through his gutsy start against a strong Blue Jays lineup. Little did he know that he's be part of MLB's 20th-ever combined no-hitter. In Boston, Jarren Duran has become must-see TV and James Paxton looks like his former self. Elly De La Cruz showed us exactly what game-changing speed looks like. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cedric Mullins robbed Byron Buxton of a HR for the second time in a week. Buxton has been at DH all year but will he play CF at all this season? Carlos Rodon looked solid in his Yankees debut but he definitely has more in the tank. On the other side, Jameson Taillon turned back the block with 8 shutout innings against his former team. The Braves just set the record for most home runs before the All-Star break. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The HR Derby field is set with some interesting Round 1 matchup, like Mookie vs. Vlad and Alonso vs. J-Rod. Sitting at 2nd place in the AL East with most of their elite prospects now with the MLB club, is it safe to say the Orioles rebuild is complete? Is Bryan Bello Boston's blossoming ace? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Max Scherzer is the highest paid player in baseball this year. He has a full no-trade clause. However, word on the street is that the Mets RHP would entertain a trade under certain circumstances. Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo will remain sidelined from the Reds rotation until at least August. Can Andrew Abbott shoulder the load? Ronald Acuña Jr. is on pace for a 40/40 season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The full All-Star rosters have been announced. The Braves lead the way with 8 All-Stars. The Rangers have the second most with 6. Each side has a rookie starter: Josh Jung for the AL and Corbin Carroll for the NL. Pete Alonso is back in the HR Derby yet again. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Nathan Eovaldi made his final case for the All-Star game as he silenced the Astros bats over seven scoreless innings. Alex Verdugo saved the day for the Red Sox by throwing out what would've been the game-tying run. Justin Verlander turned back the clock in his best outing of the season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
All-Star Game starters have been announced. The Texas Rangers lead the way with 4 starters. Pitchers and reserves will be announced on Sunday. Trade season is underway and Aroldis Chapman is heading to Texas. Chapman is having a bounceback season and the Rangers are gearing up for a playoff run. Carlos Santana and Spencer Steer hit walk-off home runs. All this (and more) on today's episode.
27 up, 27 down. Yankees RHP Domingo Germán threw a perfect game against the Oakland A's. MLB's first since 2012. It had been over decade since King Felix showed us what perfection looked like, but Domingo Germán has etched his name in the record books. Christian Yelich hasn't been in All-Star since 2019 but he's making a strong case this year. Remember when Nolan Arenado was struggling with the bat? That seems like a distant memory now. Do the Rangers have the best offense in baseball? All this (and more) on today's episode
The Braves are rolling and Ohtani is homering. Monday didn't feature a full slate but two of June's main themes continued in full force. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays retain the #1 spot in this week's power rankings but the Braves are making things interesting at #2. Eury Perez has been lights out on the mound to start his MLB career. Perez tossed 6 scoreless innings on Saturday, extending his scoreless innings streak to 21. The Marlins currently hold a wild card spot, if the season were to end today. Jackson Holliday is tearing up the Orioles farm system - he's not the #1 ranked prospect in baseball. Freddie Freeman secured his 2000th career hit on Sunday. Can he get to 3000? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Angels beat the Rockies 25-1 on Saturday. That's not a typo. A 13-run third inning was more than enough to put this game out of reach early on. The Cubs took the first game of the London Series, thanks to a multi-homer day from Ian Happ and strong pitching from Justin Steele. Balking in the go-ahead run with can't be fun - just ask the Astros. All this (and more) on today's episode.
What a difference 2 weeks makes. The Cincinnati Reds are the best show in town. The Reds extended their win streak to 12 games in front of a sellout crowd at Great American Ballpark. Reds beat the Braves 11-10 in this year's best MLB game so far. Elly De La Cruz hit for the cycle - the Reds' first since 1989. Shohei Ohtani is the MVP already, and it's not even close. Emmett Sheehan got the W in the Dodgers' series opener against the Astros. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Phase 1 of All-Star voting is complete. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani secured automatic starting spots as the leading vote-getters in their leagues. Which players got snubbed? Byron Buxton had a slow start to the season offensively, and can't play defense yet, but he's putting on a power display right now. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cincinnati Reds have a 10-game win streak and their young talent has stolen the show. The Giants have a 9-game win streak. The Red Sox have a 6-game win streak. The LA Dodgers are in third place. If the playoffs started today, the Astros would miss out. What's going on in 2023? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Pete Alonso was was set to be out for 3-4 weeks with a sprained wrist. He's back just 11 days later. Can the NL home run leader pick up where he left off? Blake Snell dazzled with a 12 strikeout performance against his former team. The Giants and Reds are baseball's two hottest teams. The divisional races are exciting in 2023, with surprise teams everywhere. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cincinnati Reds have won 6 straight games and sit only half a game out of first place in the NL Central. Outstanding rookies have been the theme in Cincinnati this year, and Andrew Abbott is one of them. The rookie LHP has now thrown 17 2/3 scoreless innings to start his career. The Red Sox brought out the bats in a 15-5 rout of the Yankees. Justin Turner (2 HRs, double, 6 RBIs) and Masataka Yoshida (4 hits) led the way. Ronald Acuna Jr. has swiped 30 bases already. What are his chances at a 40/40 season? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Could the Cardinals trade the reigning NL MVP? Cody Bellinger has had a nice bounce-back season in Chicago but could he also be trade bait? We look at intriguing trade ideas for this summer. Shohei Ohtani is making a case to earn the biggest contract we've ever seen. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Carlos Correa hit a walk-off home run to win the game for the Twins. Correa has done this in the postseason before, but this was his first regular season walk-off homer. The A's have won 7 straight. Orioles 3B Gunnar Henderson has been on a tear lately, including a grand slam on Tuesday. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani is having a strong offensive season. After hitting 2 HRs to push LA over Texas on Monday, Ohtani now leads the American League with 20 HRs. J.T. Realmuto became the first Phillies player to hit for the cycle since 2004. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Andrew McCutchen joined the 2000 hit club. Gunnar Henderson hit a mammoth blast onto Eutaw Street, continuing his strong month of June. The Marlins are playing winning baseball in 2023. Comeback wins, one-run wins... you name it. There's a different vibe in Miami this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays have won 7th straight. Not even the next-best team in baseball (Rangers) could slow them down on Friday. Will Brennan delivered a walk-off victory for the Guardians in the 14th inning. Atlanta has a steady stream of young talent. AJ Smith-Shawver is next in line. Pay attention to Corbin Carroll because he might mess and win MVP. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jose Ramirez hit three home runs in Thursday's victory over the Red Sox, including his #200 for his career. Who's the better team right now: Rangers or Rays? We'll find out this weekend as baseball's two best teams square off. Pete Alonso already has 22 home runs this season, but he'll now be sidelined for some time. Alonso has been placed on the injured list after taking a 97 mph fastball to the wrist. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Elly De La Cruz made his MLB debut and showcased his electric power & speed combination. Cincinnati is suddenly a hotbed of young MLB talent. Marcus Semien has hit his way into the MVP conversation - a 25-game hit streak helps. Jacob deGrom will be getting Tommy John surgery and is out for the season. Alek Manoah has been demoted to rookie ball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Reds top LHP prospect made threw 6 innings of one-hit ball in his MLB debut. Cincinnati has a steady stream of elite prospects making their way to the majors this season. Alek Manoah finished third in the AL Cy Young voting last year. This year, he's sporting a 6+ ERA. What happened? Luis Arraez rakes. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Sophomore slumps are common. Jonathan India dealt with one last year, but he's back in strong form this season. India's solid play means the Reds won't consider trading him this year. Key prospects have been called up in recent weeks. Reds LHP Andrew Abbott and Braves RHP AJ Smith-Shawver are the latest arms to watch for. Luis Urias and Willy Adames will return to the Brewers lineup in a few days. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees and Dodgers squared off to open a weekend series in LA. Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw led the way in the opening game. The Dodgers poured on the runs and Kershaw went 7 strong innings. Chris Bassitt made his return to Citi Field in a grand fashion, outdueling Justin Verlander before flying home for the birth of his child. Bartolo Colon has officially retired. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bo Bichette and Matt Chapman homered and Kevin Gausman racked up 11K's as the Blue Jays cruised to a complete team victory. Chris Sale left his start after a velocity drop. The Red Sox await results of his left shoulder MRI. Don't look now, but the D-Backs are in first place in the NL West. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The calendar has flipped to June and the season is in full swing. It's time to pay attention to division leaders. The Texas Rangers are for real this year. Red shortstop Matt McLain has swung a hot bat through his first two weeks in the majors. Ohtani and Trout combined for 3 mammoth blasts in Chicago as the Angels maintain their strong play. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There were a few big names returning the MLB action on Monday, including Liam Hendriks, Michael Soroka, and Royce Lewis. Aaron Judge's MVP skills were on full display yet again as he homered twice and robbed a HR in Seattle. Marcus Stroman tossed a one-hit shutout against the best team in baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Oakland A's are on pace to lose the most games in a single season and the rest of the AL West is feasting on them. The Mariners have had the fourth best winning percentage among AL teams in May. Julio Rodriguez has heated up. Is there a more fearsome foursome than the top half of Atlanta's lineup right now? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Michael Soroka is nearing a return the MLB action for the first time is almost 3 years. Soroka tore his right Achilles twice since last pitching for the Braves. The Arizona Diamondbacks are the National League's surprise team this year. They have elite pitching, speed, and defense. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Grayson Rodriguez's first 10 MLB starts haven't gone well. The Orioles demoted the former top prospect to AAA after Friday night's shellacking from the Rangers. Rodriguez should figure things out and be up in the Majors again soon. The best team in baseball gets a big boost as Tyler Glasnow makes his season debut for the Rays. Soto and Tatis stole the spotlight at Yankee Stadium. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Phillies completed a comeback from a 5-run deficit and beat the D-Backs 6-5 in 10 innings. Zach Neto was playing college baseball one year ago. Today, he's flirting with cycles in the big leagues. The Giants have an on-base machine leading off; not many people have noticed just how good he's been. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros won their 8th straight game. They brought out the bats on Monday against Corbin Burnes and the Brewers. Yordan Alvarez led the way with 2 HRs including a grand slam. Freddie Freeman rakes regardless of where he plays. He gave Braves fans a reminder. The Baltimore Orioles have the second best record in baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ronals Acuna Jr. is the early frontrunner for NL MVP, thanks to his elite power-speed skillset. The new rules have made it easier to steal and Acuna is taking full advantage. The Orioles earned another comeback victory as the AL East continues to be a dogfight. Yandy Diaz and Nolan Gorman stayed hot with HRs. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Freddie Freeman joined the 300 HR and he did it in grand fashion. The Cardinals blasted 7 HRs including 2 each from Willson Contreras and Nolan Gorman. Aaron Judge wrapped up a big series in Toronto where he homered 4 times. Mike Trout's slump is over and we also discuss the Red Sox upcoming visit to a longtime friend in San Diego. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Wednesday featured walk-off hits across the league, including Kyle Tucker hit a walk-off single to give Houston their 4th consecutive win. Danny Jansen (Blue Jays) and Pete Alonso (Mets) blasted walk-off homers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rangers prospect Kumar Rocker will be having Tommy John surgery. Rocker's career has been full of twists and turns the early going, but his future remains bright. Justin Verlander was booed off the mound in his Mets home debut as the Rays jumped on him early and often. Aaron Judge silenced boos in Toronto by hitting a huge go-ahead blast in the 8th inning. All this (and more) on today's episode.
A new week brings a new set of Power Rankings. Tampa Bay remains on top but there's been a shakeup. A surprise team joins the Top 5. The Guardians are winning close games - Josh Naylor hit a go-ahead homer in the 8th inning for the third straight game. Ronald Acuna Jr. is playing at an MVP level again. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Julio Urias has answered the Dodgers' challenge to be their ace. Bryce Miller looks very comfortable in the Major Leagues. He's now thrown 19 innings through 3 starts with a 0.47 ERA. Why are the Astros struggling to gain momentum? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Orioles have been fun to watch this year and that continued on Friday when Cedric Mullins hit for the cycle. Randy Arozarena has been one of the best outfielders in the AL this season. Can Nolan Arenado turn his season around? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Casey Schmitt is off to a hot start with the bat in his first 3 MLB games. Known for his glove, Schmitt has made a strong statement in the early going. Nathan Eovaldi tossed 8.2 scoreless innings against the Athletics. Eovaldi has the longest scoreless streak in baseball. Tampa Bay is the best team in baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Casey Schmitt is known for his glove but he wants us to know that he can hit too. Schmitt went deep in the second at-bat of the MLB debut. He might be the Giants' shortstop of the near future. A's rookie Jordan Diaz hit 3 home runs against the Yankees. Grayson Rodriguez and Adley Rustchman have a strong connection dating back to the early minor leagues and they're reunited at the MLB level. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Willson Contreras made his return to Wrigley Field for the first time as a Cardinal. Contreras got a warm welcome back but that quickly turned into boos after the game got underway. Contreras had a big day at the plate, leading the Cardinals to a 3-1 win. Masataka Yoshida is the talk of town in Boston. He's been the best rookie in baseball so far. The AL West looks very different this year with Texas leading the pack and the Astros struggling. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays are baseball's top team right now. They're playing in a cutthroat AL East but still manage to stand in a league of their own. Sophomore slumps are common and both of last year's Rookie of the Year winners are slowly breaking out of theirs. The Mariners have introduced baseball to a young talent named Bryce Miller. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Legendary Oakland Athletics pitcher Vida Blue passed away at the age of 73. Blue won MVP in his age-21 season and was part of an Athetics dynasty. The White Sox are showing some signs of life after a rough April but they'll have to do without Eloy Jimenez for 4-6 weeks. Matt Harvey announced his retirement. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Fernando Tatis hit 2 home runs off Clayton Kershaw and Yu Darvish tossed 6 2/3 innings with 1 earned run as the Padres beat the Dodgers. Randy Arozarena continued his hot start to the season with a home run and the Rays improved their home record to 18-2. Chris Sale looked vintage and Masataka Yoshida has a 15-game hitting streak. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Dodgers staged a late comeback and stunned the Phillies. Bryce Harper bounced back and went 3-3 with a double and two walks. Shohei Ohtani notched his 500th career strikeout. Wander Franco knows how to have fun. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bryce Harper returned to the Phillies lineup on Tuesday. He'll need some time to readjust. Bryce Miller carried a no-hitter into the seventh en route to a 10-strikeout performance in his MLB debut. Miller is the Mariners' #2 prospect. Bryce Elder continued his strong season for the Braves as he lead Atlanta to a 6-0 victory over Miami. The Orioles' bats have been strong this year but not their defense. Baltimore put on a defensive clinic in Kansas City with multiple highlight reel plays. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bryce Harper could rejoin the Phillies as early as Tuesday. He would be doing so with no minor league rehab games. Does this strategy make sense considering Harper also missed Spring Training? The White Sox losing streak finally came to an end. Andrew Vaughn's walk-off 3 run homer capped a 7-run comeback. All this on today's episode.
The first month of the season is in the books. Who would the All-Star starters be if the All Star Game was today? It turns out that 7,300 feet of elevation will do wonders for slugging percentages. The Padres and Giants combined for 11 HRs in a slugfest in Mexico City. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jason Heyward had himself a fine day for the Dodgers on Friday with 2 hits, 2 RBIs, and strong defense. How long will the Mookie Betts shortstop experiment last? Nick Castellanos' home run robbery was the highlight of the night during the World Series rematch in Houston. It's time to stop beating around the bush and recognize baseball's best hitter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Pirates are the biggest surprise in baseball. They have the best record in the NL at 18-8 and are beating tough opponents. How did they get here? Shohei Ohtani came close to hitting for the cycle in the same game he was the starting pitcher. Ohtani's bat has been heating up lately. Marquee matchups are on the schedule this weekend. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Drew Maggi played 13 years in the minors before his MLB call-up this week. The Pirates call-up fulfilled a lifelong dream. The Guardians need pitching but fortunately, they have a strong minor league system for developing arms. Tanner Bibee is the latest prospect to debut for Cleveland. Robbie Ray's injury is worse than expected -he's out for the season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bryan Reynolds and the Pirates agreed to an 8-year, $106.75 million extension. After years of trade rumors, Reynolds has found a deal to his liking and will stay in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future. The Astros beat the Rays, ending Tampa Bay's home win streak. Jarred Kelenic is still mashing. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Masataka Yoshida hit 2 HRs including a grand slam.... in one inning. Vlad Jr. and Kevin Gausman lifted the Blue Jays over the Yankees. Gausman racked up 11 strikeouts as his dominant season continues. The Pirates won their 7th straight game by sweeping the Reds. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adolis Garcia went 5-5 with 3 HRs and 2 doubles as the Rangers routed the A's 18-3 on Saturday. The A's are the worst team in baseball this year and it's going to be a long year in Oakland. There is one slugger who continually mashes against Red Sox pitching and he shows no sign of slowing. Bryce Harper's return might be coming sooner than expected. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani tossed a gem on Friday night as he lowered his MLB-best ERA to 0.64. It's been 11 years since we've seen an MLB perfect game. We'll have to keep waiting. Drew Smyly flirted with a perfecto but it was broken up by a swinging bunt in the 8th inning. Pete Alonso's power and Joey Lucchesi's strong return to a big league mound lifted the Mets. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Liam Hendricks announced that he is cancer free. The White Sox closer will now begin ramping up towards a return to the mound. The Mets will have to navigate Max Scherzer's 10-game suspension by relying heavily on David Peterson and Tylor Megill. Mookie Betts made his first MLB start at shortstop. What can't Mookie do? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Max Scherzer was ejected for a foreign substance violation on Wednesday. Scherzer says he was using a legal substance (rosin). MLB will review the situation and determine if Scherzer will get a 10-game suspension. Don't look now but Brandon Nimmo leads the NL in WAR. Fernando Tatis Jr. is making his return to San Diego. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Clayton Kershaw added another milestone to his Hall of Fame resume as he secured his 200th career win on Tuesday. Spencer Strider is the best strikeout pitcher in baseball right now and the Braves have won 8 straight. Hunter Greene agreed to a 6-year, $53 million extension with the Reds. Greene's deal will soon prove to be a bargain for Cincinnati. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Are the Braves the new hottest team in baseball? Atlanta sits atop this week's Power Rankings. Giancarlo Stanton landed on the IL with a hamstring strain. How many games per year will he average for the rest of his potential Hall of Fame career? Luis Castillo flirted with perfection but settled with 7 shutout innings and 9 strikeouts. Top prospect rankings matter more than you may think. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Major League Baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson Day across the league. All players wore 42 in honor of the American hero. The Padres are holding steady for now but they have more help on the way soon. Fernando Tatis Jr. is wrapping up his suspension and will rejoin the Padres on Thursday. The Rangers are first in the AL West but the Astros sent young righty Hunter Brown to the mound in response. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bo Bichette and the Blue Jays handed the Rays their first loss of the season. Bichette was 5-5 and collected his 500th career hit. Jarred Kelenic is having the breakout we've all been waiting for. It's going to be a long year in Oakland. A's pitchers walked 17 batters in one game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays have won 13 straight games to start the season - the longest such streak since 1987. Adley Rutschman hit a walk-off HR for the Orioles. Baltimore is the most fun team in baseball right now. The Twins hit back-to-back-to-back home runs as part of a 9-run first inning in the Bronx. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ian Happ and the Cubs have agreed to a 3-year, $61 million extension. Happ was set to be a free agent after this season where he likely would've earned more. Chicago has secured several key pieces on their roster. Max Muncy continued to torment the Giants with 2 more home runs on Wednesday. Muncy is now tied for the league lead in RBIs. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Luis Arraez is a complete package at the plate. Arraez won the 2022 AL batting title and now he's become the first Marlin to hit for the cycle. Do the Orioles have a fearsome lineup all of a sudden? Jordan Walker & the Rays extended their season-opening streaks. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Oneil Cruz will be sidelined for two months with a fractured ankle after undergoing surgery on Sunday night. Cruz and the Pirates were off to a strong start. Similarly, Adam Duvall will miss 6-8 weeks for the Red Sox after suffering a fractured wrist. Duvall has been one of the hottest bats in the game so far. Jordan Walker has a 10-game hit streak to start his career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays are 8-0 and have the best run differential to start a season that we've ever seen. The Phillies scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth en route to a walk-off victory over the Reds. Nick Lodolo shoved for Cincinnati and Bryon Stott continued his hot hitting at the plate. Mike Trout is off to a powerful start to the season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's important for a hitter to get off to a strong start at the plate. It eases tension and builds confidence moving forward. Is Gleyber Torres all the way back or will the Yankees "sell high" on him this year? Wander Franco is healthy and mashing. Will Adam Duvall make Boston forget about losing Bogaerts? We discuss the 10 hottest bats to start the 2023 season.
Dustin May looks like an upgraded pitcher now that he's fully back from Tommy John Surgery. May will be a top-line ace in short order. Can Vladimir Guerrero return to his 40-HR power numbers? Chris Sale logged his first win since 2021. How good is he at this stage of his career? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays are 6-0 and making it look easy. They're outpitching and outhitting their opponents by a wide margin. Josh Jung hit his second HR of the year for the Rangers. Who is the young 3B in Texas? Jacob deGrom fanned 11 and Gerrit Cole fanned 8 as both aces looked sharp in their second start of the year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Orioles are calling up their top pitching prospect, Grayson Rodriguez. Rodriguez is the no. 7 prospect in baseball and will take a crack at the Rangers in his home state of Texas. Sandy Alcantara threw a complete game shutout as the Marlins beat the Twins 1-0 in a blistering 1 hour 57 minutes. Tampa Bay remains undefeated. All this (and more) on today's episode.
David Dahl and Ha-Seong Kim hit back-to-back home runs to create a walk off victory for the Padres. San Diego's lineup is loaded but most wouldn't have anticipated that from the no. 8 and 9 hitters. The Rays are 4-0 to start the year thanks to dominant starting pitching. Homers were flying out of the yard in Chicago as the Giants teed off on Michael Kopech and the White Sox. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rangers made a statement by sweeping the Phillies in the opening weekend of the season. It's to early to make whispers of a World Series hangover in Philadelphia but Texas hopes to build off this momentum. Kodai Senga looked sharp in his first start, making his MLB debut for the Mets. We're seeing an uptick in stolen bases this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Orioles LF Ryan McKenna dropped a fly ball with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Two pitches later, Adam Duvall blasted a walk-off HR over McKenna's head. Trayce Thompson hit 3 home runs and drove in 8 runs, carrying the Dodgers to an easy win. Can Isiah Kiner-Falefa hold down CF for the Yankees? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres and Jake Cronenworth agreed to a 7-year, $80 million extension that will take him through his age-36 season. Cronenworth is a 2-time All-Star and perhaps the most versatile player in baseball. Steven Kwan lifted the Guardians over the Mariners with a 5-RBI day. Anthony Rendon confronted a fan after hearing some heckles he didn't like. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Judge started his 2023 MLB season off with a bang by hitting a home run. What's in store for the reigining AL MVP? Adley Rutschman and George Springer are seeing the ball well already as each tallied 5 hits. CJ Cron has quietly been mashing for a few years will anyone notice? The Astros' Opening Day win streak came to and end. All this (and much more) on today's episode.
Baseball as we knew it, is gone. We'll see a new and revamped game in 2023 with faster tempo and more action. Opening Day is here with a full slate of games.
Andrés Giménez seemed like and afterthought in the Francisco Lindor trade. Not anymore. Giménez is coming off a monster 2022 season and the Guardians have rewarded him with a 7-year, $106.5 million extension. Did Cleveland win the Francisco Lindor trade? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Triston McKenzie will be shut down from throwing for two weeks as he rests a right shoulder strain. He could be out for eight weeks. How will Cleveland manage this in the meantime? Nico Hoerner and the Cubs have agreed to a 3-year, $35 million extension. It'll be a Swanson-Hoerner double play combination in Chicago for the foreseeable future. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Anthony Volpe and Jordan Walker will start for their teams on Opening Day. Volpe (shortstop) will become the first Yankee to make his MLB debut on Opening Day since Hideki Matsui in 2003. Walker (left field) is making the jump from AA to MLB thanks to his big bat. Max Scherzer will start on Opening Day for the Mets but Justin Verlander won't pitch until Game 3. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have a shortstop battle at Spring Training this year and Anthony Volpe is leading the way. Jordan Walker has been turning heads at Cardinals camp all spring. Will he make the Opening Day roster? St. Louis extended Miles Mikolas with a 2-year, $40 million extension. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rhys Hoskins has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, which will put him out for the season. The Phillies were already set to begin the season without Bryce Harper so this news comes as another big blow. Philadelphia will need a new first baseman immediately and they'll lean on Turner, Realmuto, Castellanos, and Schwarber. Jed Lowrie has retired after 15 MLB seasons. Michael Soroka has been sent down to AAA. When will he be back in the majors? All this on today's episode.
MLB's new set of rules have shaved off 25 minutes from the average Spring Training game this year. With Opening Day around the corner, MLB has made some tweaks to the rule changes. We discuss each change in full detail. Who is the likeliest major award winner on each team? All this on today's episode.
Japan defeated USA 3-2 to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic. It ended in storybook fashion with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout. Few pitchers have ever struck out Trout on three swings-and-misses but Ohtani made it happen with triple-digit fastballs and a textbook slider. Ohtani's legend continues to grow. All this on today's episode.
Japan defeated Mexico in a thrilling semifinal matchup in Miami. Mexico fought hard with the bats but Japan completed a comeback in the bottom of the ninth with back-to-back doubles from Shohei Ohtani and Munetaka. Japan faces USA in what looks to be a marquee championship game. Jose Altuve will undergo surgery for his fractured thumb. What will this mean for the Astros? Jurickson Profar has signed with the Rockies. Will he be ready for Opening Day? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mexico earned a comeback victory over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic quarter finals. Isaac Paredes led the charge with 3 RBI to set up a semi final bout with Japan on Monday. USA vs. Venezuela is next and some of the game's biggest stars will be on full display.
Puerto Rico defeated the Dominican Republic to advance to the WBC quarterfinal stage. It was a bittersweet win because Edwin Diaz got injured during the celebration. The Mets and Puerto Rico await news on the extent of his knee injury. Mike Trout lifted USA to victory over Colombia. USA plays red-hot Venezuela in the quarterfinal on Saturday in Miami. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Diamondbacks have made a big bet on their young center fielder, Corbin Carroll. Both sides agreed to an 8-year, $111 million deal, the largest contract in history for a player with less than 100 days of service time. Carroll hit the ground running as one of the best prospects in baseball in 2022. His plus speed, power, and defense create an elite blend of skills. An 8-game slate of the World Baseball Classic did not disappoint Venezuela beat Dominican Republic and Japan punch their ticket to the next round. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Netherlands, Australia, and Japan are off to 2-0 starts in the World Baseball Classic. The Miami and Phoenix-based pools begin play on Saturday, and there will be some heavyweights involved. The star-studded lineups of USA, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela will take the stage. The Nationals extended Keibert Ruiz on an 8-year, $50 million deal. Ruiz, 24, is already one of the better offensive catchers in baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The World Baseball Classic has begun. Netherlands defeated Cuba in the tournament's opening game in Taiwan. The Astros are looking to extend Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez but both sides remain apart in each negotiation. Mitch Moreland and Lorenzo Cain were All-Stars not long ago, but both are now retired. All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB's new rules have been the talk of camp this Spring but the Red Sox may have found a key loophole to the infield shift rule. Gavin Lux tore his ACL & LCL and will miss the 2023 season. Who will man SS for the Dodgers? Adley Rutschman leads the group of sleeper MVP candidates this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Manny Machado and the Padres have agreed to a contract extension after all. It will be an 11-year, $350 million guarantee for the All-Start third baseman. San Diego realizes they have no choice but to spend big if they want to maintain in the NL West. The Red Sox-Braves game ended in a tie after a pitch clock violation forced a strikeout with two outs and the bases loaded. All this on today's episode.
MLB has introduced new rules for the 2023 season and we're seeing them on full display in Spring Training. Many Machado was the first batter to be called for an automatic strike due to a clock violation. We also have larger bases and no more shifts. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Anthony Rendon is coming off two injury-riddled seasons with the Angels. It's been a bitter pill to swallow for Angels fans who watched him star for the Nationals in 2019. Can Rendon return to form? Who will be baseball's first $500 million man? Elvis Andrus signed a one-year deal with the White Sox; he'll play second base for the first time in his MLB career.
Manny Machado announced that he will be opting out of his contract after this coming season. Machado set a February 16 deadline for the Padres to extend him but their offer (10 years, $255 million) came well short of Machado's expectations. What will next winter's free agent class look like? Can a healthy O'Neil Cruz go 30-30 this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have a battle brewing at shortstop this spring. Top prospect Anthony Volpe is knocking on the MLB door but he faces stiff competition with 3 other players. Philadelphia is keeping their strong bullpen intact they agreed to keep Seranthony Dominguez around for 2 more years. Verlander and Scherzer are back together after over 8 years. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There will be many stars and familiar names playing in next month's World Baseball Classic. Mike Trout and Mookie Betts lead Team USA while Sandy Alcantara and Manny Machado will be amongst the All-Stars playing for the Dominican Republic. Miguel Cabrera (Venezuela) will have played in every Classic since it began in 2006. Cristian Javier is one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball but the Astros recognize his worth. Is Yu Darvish set to finish his career in San Diego? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Chris Sale is healthy at the moment. Can he stay healthy throughout 2023? It's been a trying three years for Sale as he's battled injuries every since the end of the 2019 season. The front-line starter has only thrown 57 1/3 innings (including postseason) in that timespan. How can we predict the success of Japanese hitters when they move to MLB? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Zack Greinke will be back on the mound for the Royals in 2023. After a strong season last year, Greinke isn't ready to hand up his cleats yet. What role can he play on a young team still trying to find its identity? Adley Rutschman is coming off a stellar rookie year for the Orioles. Is he already the best catcher in baseball? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays have reached an agreement with top reliever Chad Green on a 2-year deal. Green is on the mend from Tommy John surgery but could be available to pitch in the second half of this season. MLB veterans Darren O'Day and Dexter Fowler announced their retirements. Gunnar Henderson, Corbin Carroll, and Francisco Alvarez are atop MLB Top 100 Prospect list for 2023. What can we expect from them this season? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets extended Jeff McNeil with a 4-year, $50 million deal. McNeil is coming off a 2022 batting title and will be the everyday second baseman in Queens for the foreseeable future. The Rays extended Pete Fairbanks and Jeffrey Springs. New outfield dimensions are coming to Rogers Centre in Toronto this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Scott Rolen has been elected into the Hall of Fame. Rolen received 76.3% of the vote (min. 75% required) and will join Fred McGriff for an induction ceremony in Cooperstown this summer. Rolen completed the biggest voting jump from start to finish of any Hall of Famer in history. Who's next in line? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Who will be joining Fred McGriff in this year's Hall of Fame class? It's been Scott Rolen stands the best chance but he has a long way to go to the 75% minimum. Carlos Beltran is on the ballot for the first time and he has a strong case based on playing stats; however, his involvement in the Astros 2017 sign-stealing scandal looms large. All this on today's episode.
The Marlins have acquired reigning AL batting champion Luis Arraez from the Twins in exchange for a package including RHP Pablo Lopez. Arraez will be the everyday second baseman in Miami and Lopez will boost the Twins rotation immediately. As a result of this trade, the Marlins are moving franchise star Jazz Chisholm to center field. Ronald Acuña Jr. is poised for a bounce-back year in 2023. All this on today's episode.
Aroldis Chapman was the best closer in baseball for a decade but his best days are behind him now. Chapman has agreed to a one-year deal with the Royals as he falls from the spotlight. How exactly did he get here? The Cubs are silently adding notable names throughout their roster. Are they a sleeper to contend in 2023? All this on today's episode.
2023 will be a make-or-break year for some players, including former All-Stars and even a former MVP. Will Cody Bellinger's bat come back to life with the Cubs? Who is the real Lucas Giolito? Luis Severino is elite when healthy but how many starts will he make? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The salary arbitration process happens every winter and many big names are involved. What is arbitration and how does it work? Andrew McCutchen is going back to where it all began. McCutchen agreed to a one-year deal with the Pirates, where he brought home the 2013 NL MVP. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Brandon Belt's time as a San Francisco Giant has come to an end. Belt was a key cog during the Giants brief dynasty - he earned two rings along the way. Trevor Story underwent elbow surgery and may miss a significant portion of the season. Carlos Correa is now in agreement with the Twins. Is third time the charm? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Dodgers have parted ways with Trevor Bauer following a recent meeting between both sides. Bauer is free to pitch for any team in 2023. Who might sign him? Carlos Correa and the Mets aren't close to finalizing a deal and a new team is back in pursuit of his services. The Phillies have had the best offseason so far as they look to capture a World Series title in 2023. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rafael Devers and the Red Sox agreed to an extension that will keep the star 3B in Boston for the next decade. It's a 10-year $313.5 million deal that begins after the 2023 season. After letting Betts and Bogaerts leave and facing tremendous backlash from the fanbase, the Red Sox front office finally chose to keep a homegrown star. We do a full breakdown on today's episode.
The Marlins have signed Jean Segura to a two-year $17 million deal. Segura will likely play second base in Miami while franchise star Jazz Chisholm slides over to shortstop. The problem is that neither player is a great defensive shortstop so the Marlins are making a conscious tradeoff on defense. How much production does Evan Longoria still have in his bat? The Red Sox put together a pitching staff that would have been dangerous in 2016. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We saw another great MLB season in 2022. Among many moments: surprise teams emerged, some rookies made an immediate impact, and future Hall of Famers reached key milestones. With the year coming to a close, we look back at the most impressive statistic for each team this past season.
Nathan Eovaldi has agreed to a 2-year, $34 million deal with the Texas Rangers. It's been another busy offseason for the Rangers. Will it translate into wins? Rich Hill is heading to Pittsburgh for his age 43 season. The Braves like to retain core talent and they just did it again by extending newly acquired catcher Sean Murphy. All this (and more) on today's episode).
Carlos Correa's physical with the Mets did not go smoothly. Just like the Giants did a week ago, the Mets found a concern with Correa's physical exam. The issue is related to an injury and surgery Correa suffered as a 19-year old minor leaguer in 2014. What will happen to his deal with the Mets? What is Correa's path to finally settling this saga? All this on today's episode.
Trevor Bauer's suspension has been reduced to 194 games and he's been immediately reinstated Bauer is eligible to pitch on Opening Day 2023. What happened? Who will Bauer pitch for next if the Dodgers release him? The Giants went into the offseason expecting to make major splashes but failed to do so. However, they did just sign some upside players in Taylor Rogers and Michael Conforto. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Carlos Correa will no longer become a San Francisco Giant. The Giants did not like what they saw in Correa's physical examination, so the deal could not be finalized. Correa jumped back onto the open market and quickly struck a deal with the Mets for 12-years, $315 million (pending physical examination). What exactly is going on?
Dansby Swanson has agreed to a 7-year, $177 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. Swanson will get more money than many expected, in large part due to a strong shortstop class this year. Swanson has reached a new level in recent years and we have reason to believe he'll sustain it. The White Sox signed Andrew Benintendi to a 5-year, $75 million deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Carlos Rodon has agreed to a 6-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees. Rodon was the last elite pitcher remaining on the free agent market. The two-time All-Star will be their number 2 arm to start the season and is expected to carry a heavy load. After criticism regarding their lack of spending, the Yankees won the bidding for two elite free agents this offseason. Only one big free agent remains in baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Carlos Correa has agreed to a 13-year, $350 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. Correa lands the long-term deal he's been looking for and is bringing his elite offense/defense combination to the Bay Area. Dansby Swanson is the last big free agent shortstop remaining. All this on today's episode.
The Mets rounded out their rotation by signing Japanese righthander Kodai Senga to a 5-year, $75 million deal. Senga's repertoire includes a 101-mph fastball and filthy splitter. Mets owner Steve Cohen is facing a $105 million luxury tax bill, larger than the payroll of 11 teams. Sean Manaea signed a 2-year, $25 million deal with the Giants. All this (and more) on today's episode.
As time goes on, the price of acquiring marquee free agents increases. This is normal and the revenue of MLB teams are also increasing. Some teams, like the Red Sox, have changed strategies in recent years and are suddenly pinching pennies when it comes to payroll. Why is that? Was it a smart move to let their franchise player (Xander Bogaerts) leave? Other teams like the Mets and Phillies are doing just the opposite. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Several big names are off the market as the offseason news comes flying in. Aaron Judge agreed to a 9-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees. Verlander is headed to the Mets for 2 years, $86.6 million. Trea Turner is the Phillies new shortstop for the price of $300 million over 11 years. What's next on the hot stove? All this (and more) on today's episode.
At long last, Fred McGriff has been elected to the Hall of Fame. It's an overdue selection for The Crime Dog, but McGriff will finally be recognized as one of the best first baseman in baseball history. He received was a unanimous selection by the Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee. McGriff played 19 seasons with the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Rays, Cubs, and Dodgers. He tallied 493 career home runs.
An All-Star outfielder has requested a trade. How often does this work and which side has the most leverage? Aaron Judge's price keeps climbing higher. How much will it take to sign the MVP? The Orioles were one of baseball's biggest surprises in 2022, as they finished with a winning record. More help is on the way to Baltimore. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The first major domino of the Hot Stove season has fallen. Jacob deGrom has signed with the Texas Rangers. It's a 5-year, $185 million contract with a full no-trade clause. This deal comes in well above projections and sets the market for all elite pitchers. The Rangers continue spending heavily as they seek to end their playoff drought. Were the Mets wise to let deGrom go? All this on today's episode.
The Astros have added one of the best hitters in the game. Houston signed José Abreu to a 3-year, $58.5 million deal. Abreu is entering his age 36 season but remains one of the most feared hitters in baseball. The White Sox signed Mike Clevinger. Miguel Cabrera announced that 2023 will be his final season. All this on today's episode.
Father time catches up to every athlete but some still perform at a high level into their mid-30s and beyond. We take a look at the top "old guy" free agents available this winter.
Bryce Harper underwent Tommy John Surgery. He is expected to return to DH duties around mid-season in 2023 with a possible return to right field by season-end. This opens up playing time for some of the lesser-known Phillies outfielders. The Twins have made multiple offers to Carlos Correa. What will it take to bring him back to Minnesota? The Brewers are looking to extend Willy Adames. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Phillies have signed Dave Dombrowski (President of Baseball Operations) to a contract extension that will keep him in Philadelphia through 2027. The Angels acquired Hunter Renfroe to bolster their outfield. Albert Pujols and Justin Verlander each won Comeback Player of the Year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mariners have their eye on Gleyber Torres. The Yankees should entertain such a trade because they have plenty of middle-infield talent coming up through the minors already. The Padres are interested in Jose Abreu to fill their vacancy at 1B. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cody Bellinger won NL MVP just three years ago. Now he's a free agent after being let go by the Dodgers. Is this the biggest fall from grace we've seen in recent memory? Aaron Judge will have plenty of suitors this winter. It seems like the Dodgers are ready to spend big for Judge. Jacob deGrom is a free agent this winter. Can the Mets keep him? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Justin Verlander and Sandy Alcantara were unanimous Cy Young winners in the AL and NL, respectively. Verlander takes home his third Cy Young and Alcantara wins his first. Sandy is the third Dominican-born pitcher to win the award. After 12 brilliant years in the MLB, Paul Goldschmidt has finally won the NL MVP. Aaron Judge won AL MVP and the timing couldn't be any more perfect. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Julio Rodriguez is the 2022 American League Rookie of the Year. Michael Harris II is the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year. Who else was in the running and what makes each player so special?
Awards Week is upon us. We'll find out about the Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young and MVP results this week. We know who some of the winners will be but a few question remain? Who will take home NL Rookie of the Year? A strong case can be made for either Braves teammate, Michael Harris or Spencer Strider. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Clayton Kershaw will return to LA on a one-year deal for 2023 worth approximately $20 million. It comes as no surprise. Kershaw is still effective when healthy but we can't expect him to be durable anymore. Justin Verlander declined his player option and has become a free agent. Houston should want him back. Winning gets expensive over time and the Braves are seeing that now. All this (and more) on today' episode.
The Braves have traded Jake Odorizzi to the Rangers in exchange for LHP Kolby Allard. Both teams are hoping for upside in each player. Aaron Judge & Paul Goldschmidt won the Hank Aaron Awards in the AL and NL, respectively. The Hank Aaron Award is given to the best offensive performer in each league. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Red Sox say want to bring Xander Bogaerts back but a reunion seems unlikely given Bogaerts' likely asking price. Correa, Swanson, and Turner are other elite shortstops on the market this winter. The Angels GM has said they won't trade Shohei Ohtani this offseason Who are the finalists for each major award? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Edwin Diaz has agreed to a five-year, $102 million deal with the Mets - the first nine-figure deal ever signed by a reliever. Diaz will be near-term fixture in the ninth inning at Citi Field. Bryce Harper has been dealing with a torn UCL in his elbow since May. The newly-added designated hitter rule allowed Harper was able to play the rest of the season for the Phillies. Carlos Rodon opted out of his contract with the Giants and will become a free agent. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Houston Astros have won the World Series. It's their second championship in the past six years and they can now silence all doubters who've levied criticism since the fallout of their cheating scandal. Jeremy Peña was named World Series MVP. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros take a 3-2 series lead back to Houston as they look to close things out in Game 6. Can the Phillies score enough runs off Framber Valdez, who has been dominant all year long? We take a look at the Gold Glove winners for 2022. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cristian Javier led the way for the Astros as he tossed the first 6 innings of a combined no-hitter. Just one day after their impromptu home run derby, the Phillies bats went cold and the series is now tied 2-2. This was only the second no-hitter in World Series history. Why doesn't anyone talk about Cristian Javier's strong career? Under-the-radar signings like him have been key to the Astros' pitching success.
The Phillies tagged Lance McCullers Jr. for five home runs in Game 3 of the World Series. McCullers was tipping his pitches and the Phillies hitters keyed in on that immediately. Ranger Suarez threw 5 shutout innings as the Phillies beat the Astros 7-0.
Framber Valdez has been the Astros' most consistent starter all season long. You can expect him to throw a quality start or better each time out and he did just that in Game 2. Valdez threw 6.1 innings with 9 strikeouts and 1 earned run to help the Astros tie the World Series at one game apiece. The Series now heads back to Philadelphia for three straight.
The Phillies defeated the Astros 6-5 in Game 1 of the World Series. Houston was up 5-0 after three innings thanks to two Kyle Tucker homers. With Verlander on the mound, it looked like the Astros would cruise to victory. The Phillies had other ideas and immediately mounted a comeback. Strong bullpen work and a clutch homer from JT Realmuto put the Phillies on top.
The World Series is here. What are they top storylines to look out for ahead of Game 1? Can Justin Verlander shake his rough World Series reputation and get the Astros off to a strong start? The Phillies are underdogs, but their lineup has enough firepower to match Houston's. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adam Wainwright is coming back for one last year. Wainwright signed a one-year deal to pitch for the Cardinals in 2023. He will play in a key role in their pitching rotation. Bruce Bochy is back in the MLB as he's agreed to terms with the Rangers as their new manager. Expect big moves from Texas this winter. Skip Schumaker will be the Marlins next manager. All this (and more) on today's episode.
For the 13th year in a row, the Yankees will be watching the World Series instead of playing in it. The current ownership group is fiscally conservative, and that just might be the problem. Fortunately, there is elite talent available on the market this winter. We discuss how the Yankees can buy their way back to the World Series.
The World Series will be played between the Phillies and Astros. This will be Philadelphia's first World Series appearance since they won it all in 2009. Bryce Harper took home NLCS MVP after delivering three game-winning hits in the series. The Astros swept the Yankees to punch a ticket to their fourth World Series in six years. Jeremy Peña won ALCS MVP.
The Astros shutout the Yankees to take a commanding 3-0 series lead in the ALCS. New York has struggled offensively this series. Their bats will have to come alive in Sunday's elimination game against Lance McCullers Jr. The Phillies lineup erupted as they erased an early deficit and beat the Padres with a barrage of home runs and doubles. Philadelphia has a 3-1 series lead. Can they close it out in Game 5?
Jean Segura did it with both his bat and glove in the Phillies' 42 victory over the Padres. It took Segura 11 years to reach the postseason and he's clearly excited to be there. Gerrit Cole will take the ball for the Yankees in a pivotal Game 3 at home, but New York's offense will be crucial in turning this series around.
Framber Valdez and Alex Bregman lifted the Astros to a 3-2 victory in ALCS Game 2. How can the Yankees turn this series around? Because the Astros have such a potent offense, the Yankees will simply need to score more - lots of them. We also take a look head to NLCS Game 3.
Aaron and Austin Nola faced off in Game 2 of the NLCS. Austin's RBI single against his brother contributed to a big Padres win. The series heads to Philadelphia tied one game apiece. Best-of-seven series are great but MLB needs to adjust the format for better home field advantage. Justin Verlander and the Astros took down the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALCS. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees beat the Guardians to advance to the American League Championship Series. Giancarlo Stanton & Aaron Judge hit homers to put the Yankees up for good in Game 5 of the ALDS. It will be a quick turnaround to Houston where the Astros await. Kyle Schwarber & Bryce Harper each homered to back Zach Wheeler's masterful outing in a Game 1 Phillies victory in the NLCS.
The ALDS finale will wait another day as the Guardians and Yankees were rained out in New York. The Yankees will throw Nestor Cortes on short rest. Who will pitch for the Guardians in this elimination game? The NLCS begins on Tuesday in San Diego. It'll include great storylines like the Nola brothers, former superstar teammates, and former superstar free agents all facing off.
It was an epic Saturday of playoff action with upsets all over. The Phillies defeated the defending World Series champs and there will be NLCS baseball in Philadelphia for the first time since 2010. They'll face the Padres, who upset the Dodgers in a wild comeback. The Guardians walked off on the Yankees and the Astros survived an 18-inning marathon in Seattle.
The Cleveland Guardians stole a game in New York as they silenced the Yankees bats. Aaron Judge looked rusty at the plate but they Yankees will need him to bounce back as this tied series shifts to Cleveland. The Phillies offense erupted against the Braves as Philadelphia enjoyed their first home playoff game since 2011. The Padres beat the Dodgers and are one game away from an epic upset. All this on today's episode.
The Astros have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five ALDS matchup with the Mariners. The Padres stole a game on the road but they're biggest test will be at home in Game 3 where the pitching matchup isn't in their favor. Carlos Correa has opted out of his contract with the Twins. Correa will try free agency again in search of a long term deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yordan Alvarez hit a walk-off 3-run home run to save the day for the Houston Astros. The Astros were down all game long after the Mariners ambushed Justin Verlander. The Phillies stayed hot and beat the Braves after jumping out to an early lead. The Yankees and Dodgers won their opening matchups as well. We dive into every Division Series opener on today's episode.
Joe Musgrove was on top of his game on Sunday night as he fired 7 scoreless innings of one-hit ball against the Mets. The Padres defeated the Mets and have advanced to the NLDS where they'll face the Dodgers. The Braves have extended rookie RHP Spencer Strider with a 6-year, $75 million deal. The Yankees left Aroldis Chapman of their ALDS roster after he failed to show up for a workout. All this on today's episode.
The Mariners were down 8-1 to the Blue Jays before completed the second-largest comeback in playoff history. Seattle advances to the ALDS and will face Houston. There was a pitcher's duel in Cleveland but Oscar Gonzalez sent the Guardians to the next round with one swing of the bat in the 15th inning. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The regular season is over and the playoffs are here! Which players deserve the major awards? Are the Angels superstars going to remain in Anaheim much longer? The Guardians are this year's underdog story and the Mets might be in trouble.
The playoffs are here. The Wild Card round begins with an action-packed day. Guardians vs. Rays, Phillies vs. Cardinals, Mariners vs. Blue Jays, and Padres vs. Mets. Which teams have the upper hand? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Judge now stands alone atop the American League HR record books. Judge hit his 62nd HR of the season to break Roger Maris' record. The Braves have won the NL East and the playoff field is now set. Justin Verlander tossed 5 no-hit innings with 10 strikeouts. Verlander finishes the season with a 1.75 ERA and will surely be the American Cy Young.
Aaron Judge is still searching for the elusive 62nd homerun of his season. The clock is ticking. Will he get it? Lance McCullers Jr. missed most of the season recovering from a forearm strain he suffered last year. McCullers looked sharp in his final outing of the regular season. The Astros will lean on him in the playoffs.
The Braves swept the Mets in a pivotal 3-game weekend series. Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson both homered in each game to push Atlanta to a 2-game lead in the division. The Braves' magic number is down to 1. Pujols and Molina played their final regular season game in St. Louis. The Padres clinched a Wild Card spot. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The longest playoff drought in North American professional sports is over. The Seattle Mariners are returning to the postseason for the first time in 21 years. What must the Braves do to fend off the Mets for the coveted division title? Don't sleep on the Rays either, as they also clinched a playoff spot.
Shohei Ohtani flirted with a no-hitter as he fired 8 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts. Ohtani also went 2-4 at the plate to extend his hit streak to 14 games. The Blue Jays clinched a playoff spot on their off day. The Phillies have struggled a lot over the past few weeks. Can they stumble to a playoff spot? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Judge has tied Roger Maris for the AL single season home run record. Judge has been getting walked a lot lately, but he got a pitch to hit and deposited it into the left field bullpen in Toronto. Justin Verlander tossed another gem for the Astros. Verlander will win the AL Cy Young. Eduardo Escobar had a 5-RBI night to continue his scorching September and give the Mets some breathing room before they head to Atlanta for a pivotal series.
The Yankees and Cardinals clinched their divisions, Aaron Judge is still chasing Maris, and the NL East is tied. The Mets held sold possession of first place all season long but will the Braves unseat them? We'll find out with just one week to go.
The Cleveland Guardians have clinched the AL Central. Few people saw Cleveland as having a chance to win their division, but they rose from underdogs to strong contenders. The Guardians are the youngest team in baseball. Pete Alonso now has the Mets single-season RBI record. Tyler Glasnow will to the Rays rotation return this week. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Albert Pujols has joined the 700 HR club. It's an exclusive club indeed as he joins Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth. Albert hit #699 and #700 in the same night as his power streak continues. We are all witnesses.
Blake Snell and Triston McKenzie threw 13-strikeout gems as each of their teams inch closer to playoff berths. Snell has already won a Cy Young but this may have been the best start of his career. Expect McKenzie to keep getting better. The Astros have an underrated slugger in their lineup. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Judge hit his 60th home run of the season on Tuesday. It's a major milestone but the big man isn't done yet. What more does Judge have in store for us as he chases history during this final stretch of the regular season?
Another year, another Astros AL West title. Houston has built a sustainable juggernaut and look just as good as ever this season. The Mets clinched a playoff berth as Max Scherzer tossed 6 perfect innings en route to his 200th career win. Did you know Aaron Judge just might win the Triple Crown? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Guardians swept a doubleheader against the Twins and are closing in on an AL Central title. Did anyone see that coming this year? Shohei Ohtani threw seven scoreless innings to lift the Angels to victory. Ozzie Albies just came off a long stint on the injured list, only to fracture his finger in his second game back. Albies is out for the remainder of the regular season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Albert Pujols is only two home runs away from joining the 700 Club. Justin Verlander returned from the injured list and tossed 5 no-hit innings against the A's. Verlander is putting the finishing touches on what should be his third Cy Young season. The Brewers walked off the Yankees and Wily Adames might be Milwaukee's best hitter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina made their 325th career start as a pitcher-catcher combination - the most in MLB history. Cardinals fans are enjoying a bunch of special storylines in 2022. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had a down year by his standards, but he's now hit his 100th career HR. Julio Rodriguez has a chance for a 30-homer/30-steal season. The Dodgers clinched the NL West. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We've seen Mike Trout do a lot in his illustrious career. Now he's homered in his 7th straight games - one game shy of the overall record. Bo Bichette is carrying the Blue Jays as they begin a key series with Tampa Bay. Framber Valdez has tied the record for most consecutive quality starts in a season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mariners won a back-and-forth affair which ended in a walk-off blast. Seattle is ready for their first postseason appearance in 21 years. Is Michael Harris II the best rookie in all of baseball? Albert hit HR #697. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Albert Pujols hit his 696th career home run, moving him into a tie for 4th on the all-time list. Albert is moving closer to the big 700. Mike Trout became the first Angel to homer in six consecutive games. Trout has missed a lot of time this year but is still second in the AL in home runs. Zac Gallen currently holds baseball's longest scoreless streak since 2015. All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB announced major rule changes which will begin in 2023. We'll see pitch clocks, bigger bases, and no more defensive shifts. The main goal of these changes is to increase pace of play. Will these changes make baseball more fun to watch?
Corbin Burnes reminded us why he's the reigning NL Cy Young with a 14 strikeout masterpiece across 8 innings of 1-run ball against the Giants. The Brewers, Phillies, and Padres are fighting for two playoff spots and each team is desperate to get in. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves have the best record in baseball since June 1. They've played so well that they've caught the Mets in the standings for a share of first place. Framber Valdez extended his quality start streak to 23. Christian Yelich hit the longest HR we've seen all season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Judge hit his 54th home run of the year, extending his career high. The Yankees will go as far as Judge takes them. Bo Bichette and the Blue Jays made a statement in Baltimore by sweeping a doubleheader. Bichette hit 3 home runs in the nightcap. Ryne Nelson and Hunter Brown threw scoreless outings in the MLB debuts. Will Ohtani or Trout lead the Angels in homers? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dylan Cease was just one out away from a no-hitter until Luis Arraez broke it up with a clean single to right field. Cease has quietly been one of baseball's better arms this season. Shohei Ohtani ascended to new heights as he perplexed the Astros over eight innings of one-run ball. It's a fun time to be a Baltimore Oriole. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Spencer Strider turned in a record-breaking masterpiece on Thursday as he pitched 8 shutout innings with 16 strikeouts in the Braves victory. Strider became the first Braves pitcher to record 16 strikeouts in a game. He's coming for the NL Rookie of the Year. Jordan Montgomery has been stellar since joining the Cardinals. What other players have stepped up for their new teams since being traded?
The Orioles called up their top prospect, Gunnar Henderson. Henderson didn't disappoint as he went 2-4 with a home run in his first taste of MLB action. Baltimore is making a playoff push as the calendar flips to September. Shohei Ohtani became the first player to ever record 30 home runs as a hitter and 10 wins as a pitcher in the same season. Is Ohtani closing the gap in the MVP race? Jacob deGrom, Starling Marte, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Diaz led the Mets in a masterful victory against the Dodgers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Justin Verlander and Shane McClanahan are the two frontrunners for AL Cy Young award. Verlander has been placed on the 15-day IL due do a calf strain and McClanahan was scratched from his latest start due to shoulder impingement. Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols are closing in on history. All this on today's episode.
The Dodgers are a whopping 50 games above .500. Meanwhile, three teams haven't even won 50 games this season. Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani powered up as they swept the Blue Jays in Toronto. The Phillies have Bryce Harper back but much of their success this summer came after they started to lean on the young guys. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mariners have extended Julio Rodriguez with a 13-year, $210 million contract. J-Rod has burst onto the scene as a rookie and is leading the Mariners' chase for a postseason berth. It's a complicated contract with several incentives but Julio gets a full no-trade clause and the potential to become a free agent before his age 30 season. We break down the full details on today's episode.
Kyle Stowers' first career home run came at an ideal moment. Stowers took White Sox closer Liam Hendricks deep with two outs in the 9th inning to tie the game, which set the stage for a walk-off victory in the 11th. Is Francisco Lindor really having an MVP-caliber season? Paul Goldschmidt is officially on Triple Crown watch. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Justin Verlander now has MLB-best marks with 16 wins and 1.87 ERA. He's 39 years old coming off Tommy John surgery, so this performance defies all logic. Verlander is cruising to another Cy Young award. Carlos Correa returned to Houston for the first time as an opposing player. The Mariners have baseball's easiest schedule for the rest of the way. Bryce Harper homered twice in his first rehab game while the Phillies walked it off against the Reds. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Walker Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery and will likely be out until 2024. The Dodgers just got one starting pitcher back from Tommy John but will now lose their ace for a long time. Fernando Tatis Jr. is finally getting his shoulder woes addresses. Judge is hitting HRs again and Pujols has notched his 693rd. All this on today's episode.
Bryce Harper is set to begin a rehab assignment this week. The reigning NL MVP expects to be back with the Phillies in about one week. The Orioles played their first primetime Sunday Night Baseball game since 2018 as they defeated the Red Sox 5-3. Joey Gallo looks like a new man in LA. Maybe he just needed a change of scenery. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Josh Hader will be given a break from closer duties in San Diego for now. Hader hasn't been his usual self this year and maybe the Brewers were on to something when they traded him. The Yankees have lost their sixth straight series. Albert Pujols stayed hot, going 4-4 with 2 HRs as he moved closer to the 700 HR milestone. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays rolled into the Bronx and unleashed a powerful 1-2 punch with George Springer and Vlad Guerrero Jr. atop their lineup. Springer went 5-5 and Vlad added a 3-run HR. Albert Pujols has had a great year in St. Louis. Pujols blasted his 690th career home run in Thursday's victory over Colorado. The Braves want to extend Dansby Swanson but they'll probably have to bid against other teams once he becomes a free agent this winter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dellin Betances has retired. Betances was on a minor league deal with the Dodgers but his best years came in Yankee pinstripes. The Yankees are in a rough stretch right now with the dog days of August in full swing. The Braves extended rookie CF Michael Harris II on an 8-year, $72 million deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Spencer Strider and the Braves tamed the Mets in a 13-1 win at Truist Park in Atlanta. Strider's previous start was a rough one against the Mets in New York but he got redemption at home. The Orioles beat the Blue Jays as they inch closer to a Wild Card position. The White Sox mounted an 8th inning comeback to defeat the Astros after Houston pulled Jose Urquidy from the game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dodgers RHP Dustin May is scheduled to make his season debut on Saturday. May had Tommy John in May 2021 and is one of the top young pitchers in baseball. Walker Buehler is undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. The Mets continue to dominate the NL East. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The baseball world received shocking news when it learned that Fernando Tatis Jr. has been suspended for 80 games following a positive test for PEDs. Will this impact Tatis' legacy? What can we expect from the Padres the rest of this season? All this on today's episode.
The Mariners have sent Kyle Lewis down to AAA. It's been a rough two years for the 2020 American League Rookie of the Year. The Mariners don't have time to waste because they're in the hunt for October. Detroit has fired their General Manager. Where do the Tigers go from here? What are the key series to watch for this weekend? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Francisco Lindor is back to doing what made him the highest paid shortstop in baseball. Lindor has been on fire the past month and so have the Mets. The Dodgers and Phillies keep on winning. Joey Gallo joined in on the fun in LA. The Phillies beat the NL Cy Young favorite. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Fernando Tatis Jr. looked comfortable in his third rehab game. Tim Anderson is out for 6 weeks, which means the White Sox are in for a tough stretch to close the regular season. Chris Sale is out for the year... again. Can Sale ever be the feared pitcher he used to be? JBJ signed with the Blue Jays. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Some teams made a statement over the weekend with big sweeps. The Dodgers swept the Padres, showing why LA is still the class of the National League. The Phillies stayed hot as they swept the Nats. Eighty percent of the Phillies' remaining games are against teams with a losing record. The Cardinals had an impressive sweep of the Yankees. All this on today's episode.
Some teams made a statement over the weekend with big sweeps. The Dodgers swept the Padres, showing why LA is still the class of the National League. The Phillies stayed hot as they swept the Nats. Eighty percent of the Phillies' remaining games are against teams with a losing record. The Cardinals had an impressive sweep of the Yankees. All this on today's episode.
Some teams made a statement over the weekend with big sweeps. The Dodgers swept the Padres, showing why LA is still the class of the National League. The Phillies stayed hot as they swept the Nats. Eighty percent of the Phillies' remaining games are against teams with a losing record. The Cardinals had an impressive sweep of the Yankees. All this on today's episode.
The Phillies have won 9 of their last 10 games, including 4 straight. It's been a good summer in Philadelphia, especially considering the face that they've had to play without Bryce Harper. Jordan Montgomery tossed 5 scoreless innings against his former Yankees squad. Rookie first baseman Nick Pratto hit a walkoff home run for the KC Royals. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Paders lineup is going to get a whole lot scarier in a few weeks. Fernando Tatis Jr. is set to begin his rehab assignment. If all goes well, he'll be back in the Padres lineup later this month. Justin Verlander keeps getting better as the year goes on. He's the favorite for the AL Cy Young. Didi Gregorious and Jackie Bradley Jr. have been released. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The new-look Padres drew their largest crowd of the season. They did not disappoint the fans. Brandon Drury hit a grand slam in his first Padres at bat and Juan Soto reached base three times. San Diego cruised to victory. Luis Castillo is drawing Felix Hernandez comparisons from Mariners personnel. Jose & Jose led the way for Houston. Vin Scully, one of baseball's most iconic announcers, passed away at age 94. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Juan Soto is on the move from DC to San Diego. The Padres sent a massive haul of prospects to the Nationals in exchange for Soto and Josh Bell. What does this move mean for both teams? Will the Padres pay to keep Soto? Several more moves were made at the trade deadline. We dive into the details on today's episodel
The Milwaukee Brewers have traded Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Dinelson Lamet, Taylor Rogers, and two minor leaguers. This is the first time since 2014 that a first-place team (like Milwaukee) has traded away an All-Star. Why did they do it? Trey Mancini is headed to Houston. Frankie Montas and Lou Trivino are now Yankees. The Braves have extended their franchise third baseman Austin Riley with a 10-year, $212 million deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jacob deGrom is set to return to MLB action on Tuesday. The Mets will finally have their lethal 1-2 punch of deGrom and Scherzer. Justin Verlander is pitching like he deserves the Cy Young. Nevermind the fact that he's 39 years old and coming off Tommy John surgery. Aaron Judge hit his 200th career home run and 42nd of the season as he passed Babe Ruth for the home runs hit by a Yankee before August. We may be watching history unfold in New York. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Seattle Mariners have acquired Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for four minor leaguers. This move immediately gives the Mariners one of the better rotations in baseball. Castillo has performed well in a hitters ballpark, so he'll slot in near the top of the Mariners' rotation. The Red Sox told Xander Bogaerts they don't intend on trading him. The Padres inked Joe Musgrove to a 5-year, $100 million extension. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have acquired OF Andrew Benintendi from the Royals in exchange for three minor league pitchers. Benintendi will immediately enter the starting lineup, which means less playing time for Joey Gallo. Can the Yankees find a trade partner for Gallo? Julio Rodriguez's go-ahead 3-run blast led the Mariners to victory. J-Rod is running away with the Rookie of the Year.
Expect to see Ian Happ and Willson Contreras traded from the Cubs. Yet another summer of cleaning house on the North side of Chicago. JD Martinez may be playing his final few games with the Red Sox but Bogaerts and Devers aren't going anywhere. Mike Trout is dealing with a rare back injury. Have injuries caught up to the greatest player of this generation? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bryson Stott's 5-RBI performance led the Phillies to a win over the Braves and snapped a three-game losing streak. Stott has hit home runs in big situations for the Phillies all year. The Orioles defeated the Rays to improve their record to .500. Every team in the AL East now has a .500 record or better. Can Baltimore remain in the playoff picture? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cubs secured their first sweep of the season. It probably won't be enough to prevent the front office from being sellers at the deadline but it's a good thing nonetheless. The Blue Jays offense is steamrolling now and the AL East picture looks different. Yermin Mercedes is back in the big leagues, playing for the Giants. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays routed the Red Sox on Friday night, starting their second half srong with a 28-5 victory. The Astros came into Seattle and snapped the Mariners' 14-game win streak. 2020 AL Rookie of the Year - Kyle Lewis - is back in action for the Mariners. What can we expect from him and can he stay healthy? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros swept a doubleheader against the Yankees to move even closer towards the best record in the AL. As usual, the Yankees will have their work cut out for them if they meet the Houston in the playoffs. Teams that need a reliever are looking into Rockies RHP Daniel Bard. If you need a DH/1B, the Nationals are taking calls for Josh Bell. Who else is on the trade block? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The AL defeated the NL 3-2 in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game. Giancarlo Stanton won MVP honors after a 2-run blast to open scoring for his team. The microphones were hot all night and it was a lively event. We take a look ahead to the second half of the season. Where will Juan Soto land? All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB bloodlines were plenty on the first night of the 2022 draft. Jackson Holliday, a high school shortstop, went first overall to the Orioles. Druw Jones, a high school outfielder, went second overall to the Diamondbacks. Both their dads were once on the same All-Star team. Who else stood out in Round 1? How does the MLB Draft slightly differ from other sports? All this on today's episode.
Could Juan Soto be traded over the next few weeks? Soto declined a 15-year, $440 million extension from the Nationals. The club will now entertain trade offers for the 23-year old superstar. Matt Carpenter was in the minor leagues earlier this season. Now he has 13 home runs in just 30 games for the Yankees. We take a look ahead to Sunday's MLB Draft. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mariners extended their win streak to 11 after overcoming a four-run deficit in Arlington. Michael Harris flashed his arm strength and home run power, leading the Braves to a close win. The Rays completed a four-game sweep of the Red Sox. Max Meyer, the Marlins' number 2 prospect, has been called up. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Orioles and Mariners are the two hottest teams in baseball. Both teams are riding 10-game win streaks. The Orioles haven't had such a streak since 1999. The Mariners did this despite several players serving suspensions over the past couple weeks. Every team in the AL East is above .500. Can the Blue Jays break out of their funk after firing their manager? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mariners, Braves, and Orioles have been playing well in recent weeks. This happens to coincide with the emergence of top rookies on these teams like Julio Rodriguez, Spencer Strider, Michael Harris, and Adley Rutschman. Who are the hottest rookies in the game right now? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The full All-Star game rosters are here. Who got snubbed? Unfortunately, there usually aren't enough spots for all deserving players so this isn't new. Robinson Cano is an Atlanta Brave now. Cano has become a journeyman all of a sudden in the final chapter of his career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Carlos Rodon strengthened his case for a second-straight All-Star appearance. Rodon tossed a 12-strikeout complete game masterpiece to secure a key win for the Giants. San Francisco has taken a step back this season but will be well represented at the All-Star Game. The Mets and Red Sox took advantage of late miscues which led to walk-off victories. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The two best starting pitchers in the NL are guys you may not have guessed prior to the season. Tony Gonsolin leads the league in wins and has a case to start the All-Star game. Sandy Alcantara has been even better. Dylan Carlson flashed the leather and racked up the hits as he led the Cardinals to victory. The Mets got big nights from some unexpected bats. Rafael Devers owns Gerrit Cole but the Yankees pulled out a victory in Boston. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Who do you want to see start this year's All-Star Game? There are some close races with a day remaining to vote. Is Yordan's hot streak enough to catch Shohei at DH? Will Manny Machado make his first NL appearance or will Arenado keep his streak going? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Who could've thought the Astros would lose Carlos Correa at shortstop and find a rookie just as good? The Mets are still a top team despite not having Scherzer or deGrom for most of the year. How are the Angels struggling with the two best baseball players on the planet. We take a look at the most unpredictable storylines of the season so far.
Julio Rodriguez has made quite a splash in his rookie season. J-Rod is the Mariners' best hitter and is proving man people right by putting his power/speed combination on full display. Is he worthy of an All-Star selection? Trayce Thompson welcomed himself back to Dodger Stadium with a 3-run blast. The Yankees might be the talk of the American League, but the Astros might be the sneaky "underdog" that won't go away. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The trade deadline is less than a month away. Teams are starting to finalize their trade market strategies. However, every team has at least one player who is "untouchable". Who are these players? All this on today's episode.
Nolan Arenado hit for the cycle for the second time in his career. Byron Buxton blasted a walk off blast to win it for the Twins. Minnesota has been employing some "load management" strategies with Buxton this season and it's paying off. Tony Gonsolin lowered in MLB-leading era to 1.54 and notched his NL-leading 10th win. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Justin Verlander has quietly picked up where he left off despite missing all of 2021 due to Tommy John Surgery. Even at 39 years old, Verlander shows no signs of rust and remains one of the best arms in baseball. The Rays best pitcher is a young hard throwing lefty who racks up the strikeouts; is Shane McClanahan the next David Price? Shohei Ohtani capped off his terrific month with an 11 strikeout masterpiece on the mound. We know he can swing the bat but the reigning MVP has made huge strides as a pitcher this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Freddie Freeman was on his way to establishing his name in the highest level of all-time Braves legends. That all changed when he failed to reach a contract agreement last offseason. Taking a closer look at the situation, Freeman always wanted to stay but he and his agents weren't on the same page. Freeman has fired his agents and now finds himself in a slightly awkward situation in LA. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jose Urquidy was carrying a no-hitter in the seventh inning until Giancarlo Stanton broke it up with a solo home run. The Yankees hadn't had a hit for 16 innings but they'd end up winning the game on a walk-off blast by Aaron Judge (of course). Judge is running away with that MVP. Benches cleared and a fight broke out in Anaheim. The Red Sox have won seven in a row and have turned their season around. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros tossed a combined no-hitter against the Yankees on Saturday. Cristian Javier led the way with seven innings and 13 strikeouts, followed by an inning apiece from Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly. The Astros reminded us that the Yankees World Series push won't come easily. After nine long years since being the #1 overall pick, Mark Appel has been called up to the MLB. Appel has been traded, released, and even quit baseball a few years ago but he finally found his way to the MLB. The bad news in Philadelphia is Bryce Harper has suffered a fractured thumb. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Baltimore Orioles secured a second straight shutout victory thanks to a big day at the plate from Adley Rutschman and stellar defense from all their outfielders. Rutschman is looking like the elite talent we expected. Dansby Swanson is having a breakout year and the Braves suddenly find themselves in striking distance of the Mets in the NL East. All this (and more) on today's episode.
A night after an 8-RBI performance at the plate, Shohei Ohtani put the Angels on his back yet again - on the mound this time. Ohtani threw 8 scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts to secure a victory against Kansas City. We've never seen anything like this before. Charlie Morton was outstanding and kept the Braves in the ballgame. Atlanta's walk-off victory kept the good times rolling. Aaron Judge keeps added two more home runs to extend his MLB lead. How many will he hit this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Lorenzo Cain has been released by the Milwaukee Brewers. Cain is a free agent and can sign with any team but this also might mark the end of his decorated career. Not many 17th round picks go on to become an All-Star, Gold Glove winner, and World Series champion like Cain did. Anthony Rendon is out for the season yet again. This time it's wrist surgery. It looks like the Angels have another regretful mega contract on their books. All this (and more) on today's episode.
ONeil Cruz had a 2022 debut for the ages on Monday night. All his tools were on display as he registered the fastest sprint speed & exit velocity the Pirates have had all year, as well as the fastest infield throw MLB has seen this year. How is the Pirates rebuild coming along anyway? The Braves and Yankees continue to roll. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Seattle Mariners must be happy to see Mike Trout leave town. Trout tormented the Mariners with home runs all weekend long. Trout has blasted 5 HRs in his last 5 games and suddenly finds himself in the midst of the MVP conversation. Can he or Judge stay healthy this year? The Rogers Centre was rocking in Toronto as the Blue Jays completed a huge comeback victory over the Yankees. Oneil Cruz, the 6'7" shortstop and top Pirates prospect, is set to make his MLB debut. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There are a lot of active players who's fathers also played in the MLB. In the spirit of Father's Day, let's take a look at a lineup made entirely of active MLB sons and another lineup made entirely of MLB fathers. Who would win?
Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha were a 1-2 punch for the Cardinals back in 2013 during their World Series run. They faced off against each other in Boston for the first time almost nine years later. What is the "big inning" and why should defenses try to avoid it? Adley Rutschmann and Ryan Mountcastle are heating up for the Orioles. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Make that 14 consecutive wins for the Atlanta Braves. Spencer Strider threw gas, Austin Riley homered twice, Orlando Arcia knocked out four hits. Nobody can stop the defending champions right now. Tyler Anderson carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Angels but Shohei Ohtani had other plans. Lots of teams are streaking but can anyone really catch the Yankees or Mets? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Miles Mikolas was one strike away from history. Mikolas threw 8 2/3 no-hit innings on a career high 129 pitches against the Pirates. At least the Cardinals won. Fernando Tatis Jr. was expected to return by now but he hasn't even been cleared to swing yet. When can we expect him back? The MLB leader in ERA is currently LA's Tony Gonsolin. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Arraez, Buxton, and Correa - also known as ABC - is the Twins lethal combination at the top of that lineup. This trio is a nightmare for opposing pitchers and has done serious damage in recent games. Another Alek Manoah masterpiece plus plenty run support equals an easy Blue Jays win. The Phillies and Braves stayed hot but Ozzie Albies suffered a foot fracture. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Atlanta Braves won their 11th straight game on Sunday afternoon. Adam Duvall and William Contreras have been on fire at the dish lately. New York is the center of the baseball world right now because the Mets and Yankees are MLB's best teams. Matt Carpenter was sleeping on his couch a month ago, now he's picking up multi-homer games on the biggest stage. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Young players generally take a while to develop. It's rare for a rookie to hit the ground running. Talented players, however, will eventually start to shine. There are several sophomore players impressing in 2022. Who are they?
Apparently firing Joe Girardi was the right move. The Phillies won't stop winning as they've extended their win streak to 8 games and are suddenly back in contention. Why are Juan Soto's numbers down this year? José Ramirez is an extra base machine. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is the Marlins best player but he's gotten on some nerves; some call him baseball's Dennis Rodman. All this (and more) on today's episode.
If the season ended today, may people might be surprised to see Nestor Cortes take home the major hardware. Who else are the voters still bullish on? Cortes is the Yankees ace and has truly earned his keep in that rotation. The Angels have finally snapped their losing streak, thanks to two-way effort from Ohtani. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Nationals are set to welcome Stephen Strasburg back to the rotation after a whole calendar year away. Strasburg peaked in 2019 when he led the NL in innings pitched and won World Series MVP, but the former #1 overall pick hasn't been healthy much since then. American League teams are going to different types of streaks, but it's still very early. The season is a marathon. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mired in a 12-game losing streak, the Angels look to reverse their fortune and have fired manager Joe Maddon. The Angels got off to a hot start this year but have fallen in the wrong direction. They have the two best players in the world. What will it take for the Angels to win? From Justin Verlander to Alek Manoah, some starters have made a strong All-Star case already. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yordan Alvarez and Brendan Rodgers took home Player of the Week honors in the AL and NL, respectively. Julio Rodriguez is now locked in as the Mariners CF and a middle-of-the-order threat. J-Rod leads MLB in stolen bases and is really starting to shine. Bryson Stott and Bryce Harper led the Phillies to yet another post-Girardi win. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's not often we see pitchers look better in the MLB than Minors but Mackenzie Gore is doing just that. Gore is the frontrunner for NL Rookie of the Year and he's just getting started. Move over Dodgers, but the Yankees are the best team in baseball. Miguel Andujar was sent down to AAA but he's also requested a trade. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Phillies have fired Joe Girardi. Philadelphia is off to a poor start this season and are looking for a change in direction. Girardi's mismanagement of the bullpen was a factor but the Phillies poor defense is the front office's fault. Tyler Anderson stretched his scoreless inning streak to 26. Joe Musgrove and Gerrit Cole flirted with history. The Astros extended Yordan Alvarez with a 6-year, $115 million deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Nestor Cortes and Jameson Taillon delivered brilliant outings to help the Yankees sweep a doubleheader against the Angels. The Yankees continue to show how combining good pitching with timely hitting is the name of the game. Looking strictly at stats, Sandy Alcantara is the best pitcher in the National League right now. Do the Marlins might have the best rotation in the league? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jean Segura is out with a fractured finger for 10-12 weeks. This is the latest blow to a Phillies team that came into 2022 with big expectations. They might need to tap into the trade market to save their season. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo responded to speculation about trading Juan Soto. So isn't going anywhere but how can the Nats build around him. The clock is ticking. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Memorial Day Weekend is a milestone in the MLB season. It's when we typically take note of the division leaders and front offices start to define their strategy for the season. Are the Padres legit? We saw a 496-foot blast at Coors Field, which is the stadium's second longest since 2015. Framber Valdez tossed a complete game 2-hitter for Houston. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The latest Mets hero is rookie OF Nick Plummer. Plummer's game-tying home run in the 9th inning was his first career hit and set the stage for a walk-off victory in extras. Mackenzie Gore has settled into the big leagues nicely. Gore went seven scoreless innings in his latest start; he's the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Russell Martin has called it a career. Martin enjoyed 14 years in the MLB and was one of the better catchers in the game. His athleticism and strong bat were unique at the catcher position. The White Sox have designated Dallas Keuchel for assignment. Keuchel was getting Cy Young votes as recently as 2020. What happened? Carlos Martinez tested positive for PEDs so he's been suspended for 80 games. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mookie Betts has been the hottest player in baseball over the past month. He's quietly put up great numbers ever since he got to LA. That's just what we've come to expect of the former MVP. Why did Tommy Pham slap Giants Joc Pederson during a pregame altercation? The Royals and Mariners are embracing a youth movement and it's paying off so far. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tormented pitchers last year to the tune of 48 HRs and a second place finish in MVP voting. He's been slowed down this season so far because pitchers have figured out how to pitch to him. What exactly is Vlad's weakness and how can he make the necessary adjustment? All this on today's episode.
Joc Pederson hit 3 HRs and drove in 8 runs to help the Giants end their losing streak. Joc is a Bay Area native but there's good reason why he's never struggled to find jobs around the league. William Contreras is settling in nicely for the Braves. He might not catch every night but his bat has proven too good to hold out of the lineup. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Judge widened his MLB-lead in the HR category with two more blasts on Monday night. Judge is the early frontrunner for AL MVP. Great timing for him with free agency pending. Will the Twins just run away with their division? Julio Rodriguez has been great this month and flashed his power for the first time at home. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Tim Anderson was greeted with boos in each of his at-bats at Yankee Stadium but he ended up getting the last laugh. Anderson belted a back-breaking 3-run HR to cap his night in the Bronx. The Phillies walked off the Dodgers thanks to Roman Quinn's speed. The Twins are good and it's really that simple. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adley Rutschman, baseball's top prospect, has been promoted to the MLB. The former number 1 overall pick made his debut on Saturday and gave the Orioles a taste of his potential. A switch-hitting catcher with a strong bat and glove, Rustchman has a rare set of tools. Josh Donaldson set off an incident on the field when he chirped at Tim Anderson. What exactly happened? Mike Trout scored his 1000th career run. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Max Scherzer has suffered an oblique strain and will miss 6-8 weeks. He joins Jacob deGrom and Tylor Megill on the sideline. They've been great so far but the Mets now face their toughest test of the season so far. Trevor Story broke out for Boston in a big way with 3 HRs, a stolen bases and 7 RBIs. The Cardinals promoted two of their top prospects and they happen to be childhood friends. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Royce Lewis impressed in his first few weeks of big league action but the Twins have sent him back down to AAA with Carlos Correa returning from injury. Can we expect Lewis to be make in the MLB soon? Shohei Ohtani had his triple digit velocity again in his latest start. The Yankees are off to their best start since 1998 and nobody is stopping them. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It had been six years since a Cubs rookie (Willson Contreras) homered in his first MLB at-bat. Christopher Morel predicted he'd do the same and made good on his promise. The Astros teed off in Boston as they blasted 5 home runs in the second inning en route to a blowout victory. Six pitchers still have a 0.00 ERA. Who are they? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Scott Boras suggests that Michael Conforto might make a late-season comeback as a hitter-only. Is it even worth it and would any team sign him? The Marlins have a steady cop of young arms and there seems to be another one on the way. Johnny Cueto is back in the big leagues and made a strong impression in his White Sox debut. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Pirates won their game against the Reds without securing a hit. It doesn't happen often but sometimes patience is all it takes. Rookie RHP Hunter Greene threw 7.2 no-hit innings for Cincinnati with an MLB-high 118 pitches. The Cardinals blew out the Giants and Albert Pujols made his pitching debut. Nestor Cortes now leads the American League in ERA. All this (and more) on today's episode.
As the weather heats up, so are some hitters. Bryce Harper is showing why he's the reigning NL MVP. Are we seeing the rebirth of Christian Yelich? Seven teams are currently on pace for 100 wins, including a few surprises. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Can anyone stop the Yankees or Mets? It's always a nice bonus when a catcher has a good bat. The Reds know this: they have Tyler Stephenson who now has the equivalent of one full season under his belt. Kumar Rocker (2021 #10 overall pick) will pitch in an independent league in the coming months as he prepares to re-enter the MLB Draft. The Mariners demoted Jarred Kelenic ahead of this weekend's matchup with the Mets. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Robinson Cano's career isn't over after all. Cano is poised to sign an MLB deal with the Padres. San Diego could use some extra depth at the moment and Cano is a cheap, low-risk option. Bryce Harper has a partially torn UCL. He'll be shut down from throwing for at least four weeks but he'll DH in the meantime. The universal DH has come to the rescue. All this on today's episode.
Prior to Tuesday night, rumors swirled about Angels rookie LHP Reid Detmers being sent down to the Minors for further seasoning. Those rumors have been squashed since Detmers delivered a no-hitter against Tampa Bay. It was a wild night in Anaheim. Aaron Judge hit a walk-off HR for the Yankees as his monster year continues. Justin Verlander flirted with a no-hitter in yet another vintage outing. All this on today's episode.
Josh Naylor had a night for the ages in Chicago. Naylor had 8 RBIs including an 8th inning RBI double, 9th inning grand slam, and 11th inning 3-run HR. Opposing pitchers should take note. Nestor Cortes has been the Yankees best starter this season. In his latest act, Cortes carried a no-hitter into the 8th inning. Kyle Hendricks took the Padres to school, helping end the Cubs' losing streak. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mother's Day celebrations were on display across the league. A handful of teams topped it off with walk-of victories. Gleyber Torres' HR was his seventh career walk-off hit. Jorge Alfaro made his mom's prediction come through with a pinch-hit blast. Don't look now, but the Angels are on top of the AL West. Ohtani & Rendon delivered the latest heroics. All this (and more) on today's episode.
You may not have guessed the Twins would have one of MLB's best pitching staffs this year, but here they are. Sonny Gray returned an led a shutout effort for Twins pitchers. Jhoan Duran is a budding new closer they will lean on. Miami called up hometown prospect 3B Joe Dunand, who homered in his first MLB at-bat. Dunand is A-Rod's nephew. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets are having a magical season. There's no other way to put it. They entered the ninth inning of Thursday's contest with a 0.2% win probability. One 7-run rally later, the Mets clinched the victory. The Twins have promoted 2017 No. 1 overall draft pick, Royce Lewis. Lewis will temporarily take over at shortstop for the injured Carlos Correa. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina have been at it for a very long time. With their win on Wednesday, they tied the record for the most wins by a pitcher/catcher combination. Zac Gallen was traded from the Marlins to the Diamondbacks after a strong rookie year. Miami got Jazz Chisholm in exchange. Both players faced off this week. Which team got the best of the trade? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dusty Baker secured his 2,000th managerial win as the Astros defeated the Mariners. Baker is Cooperstown-bound, along with the handful of other managers who have accomplished this feat. The Yankees just won't lose and Aaron Judge won't stop mashing. Joc Pederson has a very specific role and he's great at it. Why are the Giants are a great team for him to play for? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Who would've guessed Eric Hosmer would lead MLB in average through three weeks? Or that the Twins would own the American League's best team ERA after losing some key arms the past year? We go through all the surprises atop the leaderboards.
Robinson Cano has been designated for assignment by the New York Mets. They will most likely have to release him because no team will want to take on his huge contract. Has Cano played his final MLB game? Logan Gilbert and Julio Rodriguez showed why the Mariners' youth movement is so exciting. Aaron Judge hit two more homers as the Yankees extended their win streak to nine. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Clayton Kershaw now sits alone atop the Dodgers strikeout list. No other Dodgers pitcher has amassed as many career strikeouts. The Marlins just finished one of their best Aprils in franchise history and are riding strong pitching this year. They have a seven game win streak. George Springer already loves hitting against his former team. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The New York Mets continue to impress. They threw a combined no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. With strong play on all sides of the ball from both new and incumbent players, something special is happening with this team. Madison Bumgarner continues to deal quietly for the D-Backs. The Marlins have won six straight games. Trevor Bauer has been suspended 324 games. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ronald Acuna Jr. made his return to the Braves lineup for the first time since tearing his ACL last July. Acuna played right field and wasted no time letting it loose by swiping two bases. Expect a strong year from him. It's early, but the Angels lead the AL West. What makes them better this year? Alek Manoah is an ace. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Getting off to a strong start is a great confidence booster for any hitter. It sets a tone for the season and provides a sense of relief. Who are some of the bats making an impact in the early going? When it comes to major milestones, you have to play at a high level for a long time. There is one active player who many believe will be the next in the 3,000 hit club. When it comes to discussing the best players in the game, how much of a factor is durability? All this (and more) on today's episode.
When Willy Adames was traded from the Rays to the Brewers last season, he became a much better hitter overnight. He's back at it again after a massive performance on Tuesday night. How good is his bat truly? Can he keep it up? Don't look now, but the Mets are baseball's best team at the moment and their pitching is leading the way. Carlos Rodon is off to a hot start and he continues to rack up the strikeouts for the Giants. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Angel Hernandez, MLB's most infamous umpire, was at it again on Sunday night. Kyle Schwarber let him know it after erupting in anger after Hernandez called him out on what should have been a ball. Walker Buehler tossed the first complete game in MLB the season. Bo Bichette has had a slow start, but his grand slam might be just what he needed. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Miguel Cabrera has joined the 3,000 hit club. He did it in typical Miggy fashion with a base hit to the right side. Cabrera is just the 7th player in MLB history with 500+ HRs and 3,000+ hits. Yankees fans got into it with Guardians outfielders at the end of the Yankees walk-off victory. Michael Conforto is still a free agent but he won't be signing any time soon because he had shoulder surgery. How much money did Conforto leave on the table before this injury happened? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Two weeks into the MLB season, some storylines have begun to form. Veteran pitchers have led the charge in the early going. A way-too-early frontrunner for NL MVP has emerged in St. Louis. The Angels are surrounding Mike Trout with young outfielders. How is it going? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Marlins right hander Pablo Lopez is sporting a 0.52 ERA through three starts this season. That's good enough for the MLB lead. There's lots of young promise in Miami's pitching staff. Miguel Cabrera was one hit away from 3,000... and the Yankees intentionally walked him. Kevin Gausman turned in a dominant outing for Toronto, showing exactly why they signed him. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rays shortstop Wander Franco has played 11 games so far this season. He has multiple hits in 7 of them. Franco is just getting started. Miguel Cabrera is closing in on 3,000 career hits. He has a great chance to do it in front of the home fans in Detroit. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Freddie Freeman faced the Braves for the first time. He also hit his first Dodgers home run. The guy who replaced him in Atlanta (Matt Olson) isn't doing so bad either. Yordan Alvarez returned to the Astros lineup for their home opener and delivered 2 HRs in a win against the Angels. Manny Machado is putting the Padres on his back as they wait for Fernando Tatis to return. There has been a hitter in San Francisco who's quietly led MLB in slugging since 2020. All this (and more) on today's episode.
As with each hitter that makes the transition from Japan, there are questions of how they will adjust to MLB pitching. Seiya Suzuki has made it look easy so far. Mariners rookie Matt Brash issued an MLB high six walks, yet he still carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Mike Trout exited the game after being hit in the hand. Ronald Acuna Jr. will begin a minor league rehab assignment this week. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mackenzie Gore has been one of baseball top pitching prospects for a while and he finally made his debut on Friday night. Gore brought strong velocity from the left side and looked the part. Its rare to see a player get walked with the bases loaded. Joe Maddon did it and his plan backfired. Everyone held their breath when Byron Buxton left the game with a knee injury. Fortunately, he has no structural damage and should only miss about a week. Jackie Robinson Day was filled with fun tributes. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Red Sox reportedly made weak offers to Xander Boagaerts and Rafael Devers. They have a few more years before they need to worry about Devers but there are long-term reasons why Boston might be willing to let Bogaerts leave. CJ Abrams and Corey Seager welcomed themselves to their home crowds with the first home runs in their new uniforms. What specifically should you look for when watching a baseball game in person, in order to know who is extra talented? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Clayton Kershaw was throwing a perfect game through seven innings... and then he got pulled from the game. Was this the right move? Logan Webb continues to show why he's the Giants ace and they will lean on him all year long. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 4-4 with 3 homers and a double against the Yankees. We are all witnesses. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Reds top pitching prospect Nick Lodolo will make his MLB debut on Wednesday. After Hunter Greene impressed in his debut over the weekend, the Reds will try their hand with another young arm. Lodolo doesn't have that many professional innings under his belt, so he might be under a limit this year. Juan Soto hit his 100th career home run, becoming just the seventh player to do so at age 23 or younger. Which hitters have been hot and which have been cold to start the season? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Alec Bohm committed three throwing errors, which led to a chorus of boos from the home crowd in Philadelphia. He turned the page, though, as he started a late-inning rally to push the Phillies to a comeback victory over the Mets. It's a face-off of twin brothers in the Bay Area for Taylor and Tyler Rogers. Alek Manoah is only a 2nd year player, but his numbers against the Yankees are already turning heads. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Nelson Cruz hit his 450th career home run in the Nats first win of the season. Cruz, 41, is now 40th on the all-time list. Not bad for someone who didn't hit his first home until age 25. Hunter Greene pumped triple digits all afternoon as he impressed and picked up the win in his MLB debut. Cleveland's Steven Kwan is off to great start in his career. Bat-to-ball skills are his specialty, just like his college teammate, Nick Madrigal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
For the first time since 2018, the Blue Jays hosted a sellout crowd at the Rogers Centre. They didn't disappoint their home fans as they erased a seven-run to completed a comeback against the Rangers. Aaron Judge declined a sizable contract offer from the Yankees. The Astros are back and they brought out the big bats in Anaheim. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The regular season has begun. What went down on the first day of the 2022 season? Adam Wainwright is 40 but he'll still give you 6 scoreless innings and look great doing it. Diamondbacks rookie Seth Beer delivered a walk-off home run on National Beer Day. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts are the two biggest pieces of the Red Sox lineup. Neither player will enter the season with a contract extension after the team failed to reach an agreement with them. Both are primed for big paydays in the future if they go to free agency. Chris Paddack is headed to Minnesota in a trade sending Taylor Rogers out to San Diego. Ke'Bryan Hayes agreed to an 8-year, $70 million extension with the Pirates.
The Cleveland Guardians have been known to trade away elite talent in order to avoid paying top dollar. They've finally chosen to keep a homegrown star, Jose Ramirez. Ramirez agreed to a 5-year, $124 million deal. It's the largest contract in franchise history since Edwin Encarnacion got $60 million. Other players like Manuel Margot and Ryan Pressly have gotten contract extensions. Spring Training is wrapping up.
The Mariners Opening Day center fielder will be top prospect Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a top-3 prospect in all of MLB and projects to be the future face of the franchise. Only 21, Rodriguez's best tool is his top-of-the-scale power. The Tigers continue to add pieces as they've acquired Austin Meadows in exchange for prospect Isaac Paredes and a sandwich pick. A contender is brewing in Detroit.
Sean Manaea has been traded to the San Diego Padres. It was a four-player swap between Oakland and San Diego. The Athletics have now traded away all their notable players as they hope to operate with a low payroll. The blows keep coming for the White Sox pitching staff as Lance Lynn will be out for at least a month due to knee surgery.
Top prospects are making their way to Opening Day rosters at a greater rate than we typically see. This is due to the new Prospect Promotion Incentive which awards teams with additional draft picks if their top prospects accrue a full year of service time and also finish near the top of major award votes. The Angels have moved on from Justin Upton, but another team will likely pick him up. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The White Sox and Dodgers have completed a one-for-one trade involoving Craig Kimbrel and AJ Pollock. Kimbrel will take the 9th inning role in LA while Pollock will be the White Sox new everyday left fielder. Shortly after the trade, it was announced that White Sox star lefty reliever Garrett Crochet will need Tommy John surgery. Jacob deGrom is heading for an MRI on his shoulder. What's going on with his health?
The Reds have announced that top pitching prospect Hunter Greene has made the starting rotation. Greene and his triple digit fastball will debut on April 10. He was the #2 overall pick in the 2017 draft and signed for $7.2 million out of high school. With the new collective bargaining agreement, teams now have incentive to promote their top prospects earlier. Are the Kansas City Royals suddenly moving towards contention? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves bullpen came up big in their championship run and they'll be even better in 2022 after adding Kenley Jansen. The White Sox should expect better performances from Kimbrel plus they've added Joe Kelly. Which are the top 10 bullpens in MLB this season? All this on today's episode.
The Twins have signed Chris Archer to a one-year deal. Archer will provide rotation depth for a Minnesota team that has suddenly become intriguing. In just a couple weeks, the Twins have risen from obscurity by adding several notable names. The Dodgers and Padres swung a rare trade sending Matt Beaty to San Diego in exchange for a prospect. Beaty is a valuable on-base machine who will compete for immediate playing time.
Albert Pujols is back in St. Louis. The future Hall of Famer agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal back where it all began. Who could have imagined Pujols, Wainwright, and Molina would be playing for the Cardinals in 2022? Pujols is chasing 700 home runs. Can he get there this season? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees will be offering Aaron Judge a contract extension sometime before Opening Day. Judge is the face of the franchise and it would be in the team's best interest to take care of him. The D-Backs would like to extend Ketel Marte. The Angels extended Max Stassi and he'll be their starting catcher. All this on today's episode.
Andrew Miller has called it a career after 16 seasons in MLB. Miller reshaped the relief pitcher role and was one of the most versatile lefty bullpen arms around. Michael Conforto is the top free agent still on the market but the clock is ticking for him to find a deal. Foreign substance checks are back and will be enforced even further. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The "ghost runner" rule will be back in 2022. Extra innings will begin with a runner on second base in order to speed up such games and avoid marathon contests. Is this a good rule or does it water down the experience? A separate new rule means no more Shohei Ohtani in the outfield since he'll now be allowed to remain in the lineup as a DH even after he's done pitching. All Yankees and Mets players will be allowed to play home games now that New York City is carving out an exemption to their vaccine mandate for professional athletes.
The recently Mariners lost their best reliever for the year but they've already picked up an arm to fill the gap. Who is the soft-tossing 39-year old veteran that will induce plenty of soft contact and create timing issues for hitters? Tommy Pham has fallen off in recent years but the Reds just picked him up. Can he still be good? Odubel Herrera will miss Opening Day, so the Phillies need a new center fielder. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Even the best pitchers have down years at times. Whether it's strong expected stats, recovering from injury, or a change of teams, some pitchers have good reason to expect better results this season. Who are some prime bounceback pitching candidates for 2022?
The Mariners bullpen was a key strength in 2021 and it led them to their surprising 90-win season. Casey Sadler was their best reliever but he has now suffered a season-ending injury. The Cardinals will be without Jack Flaherty and Alex Reyes for now - a big blow to their pitching staff. Ryan McMahon has signed a 6-year, $70 million extension with the Rockies. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Red Sox have agreed to a deal with Trevor Story. It will be a 6-year, $140 million guarantee. Story will slide over second base and serves as insurance in case Xander Boagaerts leaves Boston after this season. All the top free agent shortstops have now been signed. The Marlins are bringing Jorge Soler's power bat to Miami on a 3-year, $36 million deal. Soler is coming off World Series MVP honors and led the AL in home runs in 2019.
Carlos Correa is off the market now after agreeing to a 3-year, $105.3 million deal with the Minnesota Twins. This comes as a surprise because Correa was expected to sign a 10+ year megadeal north of $330 million. He has opt-outs after each year which will let him try again if he plays well. The Phillies agreed to terms with Nick Castellanos on a 5-year, $100 million deal. The Braves signed Kenley Jansen. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have traded Luke Voit to the Padres in exchange for a prospect. Voit was the odd man out in New York after they re-signed Anthony Rizzo to man first base. Voit's power bat is often overlooked but he'll be a great middle-of-the-order bat in San Diego. Nick Castellanos is still on the board and the Phillies are interested. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Many of the top free agents are off the board. Freddie Freeman has agreed to a 6-year, $162 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. LA just keeps adding to its incredibly loaded roster. Kris Bryant is headed to the Rockies on a 7-year, $182 million deal. The Rockies haven't been good lately but maybe this means they want to win again soon. Spring Training games are set to begin. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves have already signed Matt Olson to an 8-year, $168 million extension. All things considered, he's a better fit for them than Freddie Freeman. The Yankees bought back Anthony Rizzo on a 2-year, $32 million deal. These days, you can't expect them to break the bank for big-name free agents. Kyle Schwarber is taking his talents to Philadelphia. He'll add plenty of lineup protection for the NL MVP, Bryce Harper. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is injured again. He will likely need surgery for a fractured wrist he suffered during the offseason. The Atlanta Braves send shockwaves through the baseball world by trading for star 1B Matt Olson. Many were holding out hope that Freddie Freeman would re-sign but that chapter now seems closed. Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez are headed to the Mariners. Winker was one of baseball's best bats in 2021 and hits right-handed pitching particularly well. He'll feel right at home in Seattle. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Twins have sent Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Ben Rortvedt to the Yankees in exchange for Gio Urshela and Gary Sanchez. This means Yankees will most likely not be pursuing a big name shortstop as they wait for their star prospects to arrive. Nelson Cruz signed with the Nationals on a 1-year, $15 million deal. The Astros are talking to Carlos Correa again. Where will Trevor Story land? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays have been known for their offensive prowess in recent years. All of a sudden, they've beefed up their rotation too. Yusei Kikuchi just signed with them to round out the back of their staff. The Mets traded for Chris Bassitt and the Twins traded for Sonny Gray. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We're off to the races to close out the offseason. Spring Training has begun but there are still several players without a team. Carlos Rodon signed with the Giants for 2 year, $44 million. He's an upside arm but health will be key. National League teams are interested in Albert Pujols. After all, they have a designated hitter spot now. The Dodgers re-signed Clayton Kershaw and joined the bid for Freddie Freeman. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Baseball is back. MLB and MLBPA came to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement that will cover the 2022-2026 seasons. Plenty of changes are coming, including an expanded postseason, universal DH, pitch clocks, increased pay for players, and much more. Opening Day is on April 7 and it will be a full 162 game season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB has pitched the idea of an international draft and Latin players do not like the sound of it. Under the current system, there is no draft and international players can sign as free agents as early as age 16. This gives players significant leverage and flexibility to sign with multiple teams who makes offers. With a draft, this leverage disappears and players would have to take it or leave it. Is this fair? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Get ready for Friday Night Baseball. Apple TV+ will carry two Friday night games each week as part of the new streaming agreement between MLB and Apple. We celebrate International Women's Day by reflecting on the various women coaching, managing, or working in pro baseball today. It might not be long before we see a woman managing at the MLB level.
Latest news coming out of the negotiations between players and owners suggest we might see shift bans, pitch clocks, and bigger bases as soon as 2023. Max Muncy missed the Dodgers' 2021 postseason, but he'll be ready to go once the season begins. The Rays made an offer to Freddie Freeman before the lockout. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Roger Clemens is one of the greatest pitchers to walk the face of the earth. The Rocket was a dominant force from two-plus decades. He's heavily decorated in accolades, including 7 Cy Young awards and an MVP. What were the best, most memorable moments, of Rocket's career?
The MVP award has been around since 1931. It's the ultimate award that can be bestowed upon a position player for a given season. Because there can only be one MVP per league each season, some all-time greats never won this award. Including several Hall of Famers. Who are they and how close did they get?
Baseball's next young star might make his debut this season. There are a few top prospects who could make their team's Opening Day roster. One player, in particular, might be the next big name we'll all rave about. MLB Spring Training is delayed, but the minor league season is not. This means there will be some overlap between the two, which could impact some prospects. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rockies are looking to add pop to their lineup and Michael Conforto has joined the list of free agent outfielders they're looking at. Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber are other players they like. Plenty of teams are looking at Pittsburgh's Bryan Reynolds as a trade target. Reynolds hasn't had any extension talks with the Pirates yet but the team should hold onto the star outfielder. All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB and MLBPA failed to reach an agreement by the league's deadline and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the first two series of the season will be cancelled. How did we get here and what is the solution? Are both sides negotiating in good faith? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Derek Jeter and the Marlins have mutually agreed to part ways. Jeter reportedly did not agree with the team's spending plan coming out of the lockout. As a proven winner, perhaps Jeter was ready for Miami to end their rebuild and go all in. The lockout continues and players have begun flirting with the idea of playing overseas. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Dodgers plan to extend manager Dave Roberts ahead of the season's start. Roberts has been wildly successful during his 6 years in the position. How much of this success if he responsible for? Is Roberts a great manager? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Freddie Freeman has been a lifelong Brave and it's hard to imagine him playing elsewhere. However, he's currently a free agent and didn't receive the offer he was looking for from the Braves before the lockout began. Freeman is reportedly looking to sign within 48 hours of the lockout's end, so it will come quickly. Other teams like the Blue Jays and Yankees are interested. Will the Braves pay up, will he take a hometown discount, or will he sign elsewhere?
Joey Gallo struggled in his short stint with the Yankees in 2021. He came over after the trade deadline to jolt the offense but never really found his footing. Gallo says the shift is partially to blame and that MLB should ban it. Does he have a point? Joe Kelly is a free agent but he's looking to reunite with the Dodgers. The Dodgers could use his services, too. All this on today's episode.
The Rangers are rapidly making their way out of a rebuild. After completing some mega-deals, they have their sights set on winning now. Their plan has taken a slight twist with top 3B prospect Josh Jung undergoing labrum surgery which will sideline him for about 6 months. Josh Reddick will be joining former big leaguers Pablo Sandoval and Keon Broxton on their Mexican League squad. MLB has said regular season games will be canceled if a deal isn't reached by February 28. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Matt Olson is on the Padres' radar. They'll have to trade for him but doing so will mean a hike in their luxury tax bill unless they're able to trade Eric Hosmer and/or Wil Myers. Olson will be a coveted target on the trade market once the transaction freeze lifts. The Cardinals have their eye on the 1B market in anticipation of the universal DH. Who would they bring in to as a 1B/DH alongside Goldschmidt? All this on today's episode.
Oliver Perez will give add one more year to his playing career, but it will take place in Mexico. Perez' career has been built on getting left handed hitters out. He's been quite good add it, which allowed him to play in the big leagues for 19 seasons. Although Spring Training is on hold, teams have began minicamps. We take a look a Tigers minicamp and an update regarding former No. 1 overall pick, Spencer Torkelson.
Rollie Fingers has perhaps the most facial hair in baseball history. The well groomed handlebar mustache is his trademark and something he has never been willing to part with. He felt so strongly about it that he declined an ultimatum from the Cincinnati Reds to shave or stay home, which effectively ended his Hall of Fame career. What is the history behind baseball's facial hair policies? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Tommy Pham is open to a position change. He's specifically open to playing first base and welcomes the idea of a reunion with Tampa Bay. Pham has been an outfielder his whole MLB career. Pham's peripheral stats point to him being a bounce-back candidate with the bat this year, and he'll need just that. The Mariners want a big righty bat to play 3B. Could Kris Bryant or Josh Donaldson fill that role? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets are going all in this year and have already stacked their roster. Starling Marte is their shiny center field new acquisition but Brandon Nimmo might have something to say about that. Could Aaron Judge be entering his final year in Yankee pinstripes? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Winning a Cy Young Award is the ultimate single-season accomplishment a pitcher can have. It means you were the best pitcher in the league. Most teams would want to keep a Cy Young winner, but there have been a few times when pitchers (including future Hall of Famers) were traded in the offseason immediately after winning the award. When and why did this happen? All this on today's episode.
Juan Soto declined a massive extension from the Nationals which was worth 13 years, $350 million. Soto plans to wait until free agency in 3 years where he could earn an even larger payday. Was this a smart play or a risky gamble by the young superstar? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ryan Zimmerman was the Nationals' first ever draft pick. He was the 4th overall pick of the 2005 draft and made his MLB debut just a few months later. Zimmerman never looked back as he developed into one of the games best third basemen. He was a 2x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, World Series champion, and a Gold Glove winner. He is Mr. National. We can expect to see #11 retired by the organization in the near future.
A lot of teams are looking for a shortstop this winter. The big names like Story and Correa will land lucrative deals, but some teams will have to settle for more low-key acquisitions. There is a very good shortstop who might be a great trade candidate and attractive option for teams like the Yankees, Twins, or Angels. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yu Darvish spent parts of 3 seasons with the Chicago Cubs before he was dealt in a surprising trade with the Padres. Darvish was coming off an outstanding 2020 season where he finished second in NL Cy Young voting. Chicago received 4 prospects in return. Were the Cubs right to "sell high" on Darvish? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays are reportedly open to trading Austin Meadows. Why does Tampa Bay always seem to move great players? We break down the strategy that makes them win despite relatively small resources, and what they could get in return for their top outfielder. All this (and more) on today's episode.
If we define a good starting pitcher as one with 3+ WAR in a season, and homegrown means he was drafted and developed by that team, who was the last good homegrown starting pitcher for each team?
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the media and provided updates on the state of negotiations. MLB's proposal to the players includes the universal DH and eliminated draft-pick compensation. What does this all mean? Manfred made some eyebrow raising comments about the profitability of owning an MLB team. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Trevor Story reportedly wants to remain at shortstop. The market will ultimately decide that but it does create an interesting twist to his free agent profile and potential suitors. The Rangers are looking to add yet another big bat to their lineup. One specific trade candidate is in their crosshairs. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Trevor Bauer will not face any criminal charges from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Bauer was placed on leave for the second half of the 2021 season. Will he be back in 2022? The Cubs are considering bringing back Anthony Rizzo. Pablo Sandoval is taking his talents to Mexico. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We've all heard it from someone: "I could've gone pro if I didn't get hurt". Baseball has its share of players who had elite talent but had their career derailed by injuries. Some of them were so good that they might have made it to the Hall of Fame. Who are they? All this on today's episode.
Jasson Dominguez is a top prospect in the Yankees organization who has been impressing some fans since videos of him appeared on social media a few years now. Dominguez, 19, is now in the minors and is expected to spend a couple more years there polishing up his skills. Some call him the next Mike Trout or Mickey Mantle. His rookie card just sold for a record $474,000. Who is he? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adrian Gonzalez has put a bow on his playing career. The former #1 overall pick was one of the most consistent players in baseball and an elite first baseman for multiple teams. Will he be best remembered as a Padre or a Dodger? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The lockout continues to drag on but do not worry, it will come to an end soon enough and the season will be here before you know it. Once the lockout does end, there are many moves to be made. Lets take a look at the specific needs to be met for the Blue Jays, Mariners, and Braves. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets selected Kumar Rocker with the 10th overall pick last year but surprised many when they failed to reach an agreement with him before the deadline. There were question marks regarding Rocker's physical health and the details never emerged. Rocker might pitch in an independent league this spring in hopes of re-entering the draft. What will scouts be looking for and where could he be selected? All this (and more) on today's episode.
As the lockout drags on, negotiations between MLB and MLBPA continue, but the clock is ticking. There is a widespread belief that Spring Training will be delayed. Will the regular season be pushed back too? What exactly is holding things up? Expect all the free agent dominoes to fall once the lockout ends. Let's examine potential landing spots for the top hitters are looking for a new home. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani put together a season like we've never seen before and it has many wondering what his long term future in the game looks like. Will the Angels keep him around by giving him a contract extension? What would his value be as a free agent? All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB has listed new job postings for Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) system techs for 11 different minor league teams at the AAA level. Could ABS be coming to the minor leagues in 2022? When will we see this in the MLB? After testing new rules and styles of play over the past few years, MLB is winding up for some major rule changes. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays floated the idea of splitting their home games between two cities: Tampa and Montreal. MLB has nixed this so they'll stay in Tampa for the foreseeable future. The Rays do need a new stadium, though. Carlos Beltran has joined the Yankees broadcast team and will serve as a commentator this upcoming season. Is he using this as a stepping stone to future managerial opportunities. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Seiya Suzuki is preparing to interview with MLB teams. He has several suitors and will most likely be playing in the MLB this season. Suzuki is seen as the best Japanese player looking to make a move since Shoehi Ohtani. He won't put on a display of two-way skills, but Suzuki is a 5x Gold Glove winner and power bat that scouts see as a potential everyday right fielder. All this (and more) on today's episode.
David Ortiz has been elected to the Hall of Fame. The Red Sox legend made it in on his first ballot. What made Big Papi so good? Why do voters look the other way for Ortiz' steroid ties but not for Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves took home the World Series title in 2021. Adversity didn't faze them. They lost Ronald Acuna Jr, Marcell Ozuna, and Mike Soroka. They entered the All-Star break with a losing record. They spent the least amount of days atop their division. How did they pull it off? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros entered 2021 with high expectations and they delivered. They boasted the best lineup in baseball and dominated the AL West. At the end of the day, there can only be one champion and Houston fell just short by losing in the World Series. Moving forward, they'll have to replace Carlos Correa but they did bring back Justin Verlander. All this (and more) on today's episode.
No team carried bigger expectations entering 2021 than the LA Dodgers. They were looking to defend their title and had the most talented team in baseball yet again. It was a great season in LA as they won a franchise-record 106 games, but they faced more competition than expected, both within their division and in the playoffs. With the Giants now looming, they'll need to bring their A-game again in 2022. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Nobody could've guessed the Red Sox would end the 2021 season in the ALCS. It was a shocking turnaround for a team that was one of baseball's worst the prior year. Their thrilling postseason run came to an end at the hands of the Astros but Red Sox nation enjoyed many fun moments in October. They'll need more pitching in 2022. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Giants had the most surprising turnaround in MLB. Few could have guessed they would lead MLB with 107 wins in 2021. It was made possible by vintage seasons from their veteran core, as well as great pitching. Buster Posey has since retired and Kevin Gausman is now a Blue Jay so the Giants have huge shoes to fill in 2022. What should we expect?
After a trip to the World Series in 2020, the Rays entered 2021 with their eyes set on a return but they ran into a surprise in the ALDS. They lost to a hot Red Sox team and saw their season come to a surprising end. Despite this, 2021 was a successful year for Tampa Bay and they're just getting started. Equipped with a strong young core and future superstar, the Rays will be scary in 2022.
Pitching carried the Brewers to new heights in 2021. Led by NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, they had one of the best rotations in baseball. A trade for Willy Adames was the surprising boost to their struggling offense, as Adames turned out to be their best hitter. Will Yelich ever regain his old form? All this (and more) on today's episode.
After not pitching in 2021, Anibal Sanchez is attempting an MLB comeback. It will be a bit of an uphill battle considering the fact that he's 38 and wasn't so great his last time around. Why are the Orioles moving their left field fence back? It's time for Toronto to start discussing extensions for Bo and Vlad. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It was a good year on the South Side of Chicago. The White Sox played great baseball all season and won the AL Central quite handily. They were eliminated in the ALDS by the Astros but there's plenty more left in the tank for this team. Talent isn't an issue at the moment - they just need to keep getting better as they have been doing already.
Melky Cabrera has announced his retirement from baseball. After 15 MLB seasons, with his last appearance being in 2019, Melky hangs up his cleats with a World Series Ring and an All-Star Game MVP. Something must have been in the Yankees' water in 2009.... Despite the ongoing lockout, Seiya Suzuki is set to come to the Major Leagues this season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
After a rough couple months to begin the 2021 season, the Yankees looked like a lost cause. They turned things around over the summer and made key moves at the deadline which jolted the team. Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo came over and breathed life into the Yankees' season. Gerrit Cole figured out how to pitch without sticky stuff and finished with great numbers. The Yankees ran into a hot Red Sox team in the Wild Card game and made an early playoff exit. How can they get back to the World Series?
After 16 MLB seasons, Jon Lester has announced his retirement. Lester is going out on his own terms and puts an end to a wonderful career. His storybook journey involved beating cancer, throwing a no-hitter, winning 3 World Series, and ending a 108-year championship drought. Rachel Balkovec has been hired as the next manager of the Yankees' Low-A affiliate. She will be the first woman to ever manage an affiliate team. All this on today's episode.
Deep into the 2021 season, the Cardinals were down but now out. A late-season surge launched them into the playoffs as they ripped off 17 straight wins to secure a Wild Card berth. The Dodgers ended their season but there is a lot of fuel to carry the Cardinals forward in 2022. Tyler O'Neill has blossomed, Adam Wainwright has remained elite despite his age, Harrison Bader is the defensive CF in baseball, and much more. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays had a strong season but were caught in the midst of a tough division. As such, they missed the playoffs but it was a good season in Toronto overall. Vlad blossomed into an MVP-caliber player, Marcus Semien and Robbie Ray secured bags, and the Blue Jays boasted one of the scariest lineups in baseball. They've lost Semien and Ray to free agency, but don't expect the Blue Jays to take a step back. They will be good. All this on today's episode.
So close yet so far. The Mariners were on the cusp of ending their 20-year playoff drought as they fought up until the last day of the 2021 season. Nobody expected much from them but they somehow racked up 90 wins and shocked the baseball world. Did they overachieve? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The A's hoped to continue their playoff streak in 2021 but that came to an abrupt end. They had a solid year overall thanks to consistent pitching but they weren't particularly great in any one area. Now having gone through a managerial change this winter, 2022 will be a new challenge for Oakland. They'll need a bounce-back from Matt Chapman, though. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Reds had a fun roller coaster ride of a season. They made a brief playoff push and finished with a winning record. From a trio hitters who put up midseason fights for MVP (Votto, Winker, Castellanos) to the NL Rookie of the Year (Jonathan India) showcasing an on-base and power combination, their lineup was strong. Wade Miley's no-hitter was the pitching performance of the season. Where does Cincinnati go from here?
The Phillies finished with a winning record for the first time since 2011. Phenomenal seasons from Bryce Harper (NL MVP) and Zach Wheeler paced them from start to finish, but there is still plenty of work to be done. The Phillies need a legitimate closer, leadoff hitter, and more lineup protection for Harper. All this on today's episode.
Cameron Maybin has hung up his spikes after a 15-year MLB career. Maybin played with 10 different teams over the years. Although he was a journeyman, it was for good reason. His speed and defense combination was of value to many teams. At his peak, Maybin could steal a base on command and provide some power as well. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Indians finished below .500 for the first time since 2012. They were close, though, at 80-82. With such a young team, Cleveland is trying to establish their identity at this point. For 2022, expect Cleveland to show some growth, growing pains, and more flashes of star performance from Jose Ramirez.
Expectations were sky high in San Diego heading into last season. They were considered among the cream of the crop in terms of talent and looked like they could compete for an NL West title. Injuries mounted and things turned south in the second half of the year. The Padres finished with a disappointing record of 79-83? What else went wrong? How can they be better in 2022? All this on today's episode.
The Tigers were one of the most improved teams in MLB last season. After finishing with the worst record in 2019 and third-worst in 2020, they took a big leap in 2021 and finished near the middle of the pack. The rebuild is over and the Tigers should be a solid team in 2022 with plenty of momentum moving forward. The ingredients are in place for a return to winning baseball in Detroit. All this on today's episode.
Although the Los Angeles Angels finished fourth in their division, they hosted the best show in town on most nights in the summer of 2021. Shohei Ohtani took the baseball world by storm in his historic MVP season, producing as both a pitcher and a hitter. Don't forget about the best player in the world, Mike Trout. He needs to get healthy for this team to move forward. What will 2022 look like for the Angels? All this on today's episode.
Kyle Seager has announced his retirement. The news came as a surprise considering Seager just came off a season with career high marks of 35 HRs and 101 RBIs. Seager was a career-long Seattle Mariner and the franchise face over the past several years. How can a team plan for both now and the future? It turns out anything is possible when you have plenty of payroll flexibility. All this on today's episode.
The 2022 Hall of Fame ballot consists of many familiar names. These are some of the best players of a generation but not all were highly regarded at first. In fact, some were seen as extra fill-ins or fringe MLB players at first. Who are these players and what are their chances of Hall of Fame induction? All this on today's episode.
The Mets came into 2021 with high expectations but fell far short of them. Their offense struggled and the pitching staff was plagued with injuries. There won't be any excuse for continued mediocrity in 2022 because the Mets have made major moves to improve their squad this winter. All this on today's episode.
In the Christmas spirit, we notice that every team has received a gift at some point. Whether it's trading for an unknown player who would alter franchise history, selecting a future Hall of Famer late in the draft, or benefiting from an error which would help them win the World Series. What are the top gifts some teams have ever gotten?
A lot of winning at home but even more losing on the road. That was the theme for the Rockies in 2021. They're losing Trevor Story but have promising young infielders on the squad already. They have poor pitching but no real plan to fix it. Where should the Rockies go from here?
Cody Bellinger agreed to a new deal with the Dodgers before the lockout began on December 1. He will earn $17 million in 2022. Not bad for a player coming off a down year. Due to the lockout, teams have no idea how players are doing in their rehab process coming off major surgeries. Reports show that MLB total payroll has declined in recent years. How long will the lockout last? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Royals' 2021 season surpassed expectations. As they near the end of their rebuild, Kansas City has developed a group of young starting pitchers to navigate these bridge seasons. Salvador Perez had a monster season with the bat and remains the heart and soul of the franchise. Looking ahead to next season, baseball's next young star (Bobby Witt Jr.) will likely make his MLB debut in Kansas City. All this on today's episode.
After becoming regulars in the postseason, the Twins took a huge step backwards in 2021. The Bomba Squad was still alive as they drilled the second-most HRs in the American League. However, poor pitching was the main problem all year long. What's next for Minnesota? All this (and more) on today's episode.
After seeing Bob Melvin leave for a better offer in early November, the A's were suddenly left without a manager. They've filled that gap by hiring Mark Kotsay, a former Oakland Athletic and longtime MLB outfielder. Kotsay has recent coaching experience but this will be his first time managing professionally. Josh Harrison is drawing plenty of interest around the league. What about Harrison's skillset has made him draw multiple offers already this winter? All this (and more) on today's episode.
It seemed that the Cubs were destined for a rebuild one they traded away Yu Darvish prior to the 2021 season. The fact that they initially kept all other big pieces may have been a business tactic to keep fans interested for the early part of the season. The Cubs have hit the reset button and are squarely in rebuild mode now. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Buck Showalter has been hired to be the next manager of the New York Mets. Showalter brings along 20 years of MLB managerial experience and a track record of leadership. He's most recently known for leading the Orioles from rebuilding mode to the playoffs in just a few years. Details on the Tigers' offer to Carlos Correa (earlier this winter) have emerged. What will it take to sign him? All this on today's episode.
The Marlins came into 2021 with some exuberance after ending their playoff drought in 2020. That magic wore off as the reality of a full 162 game season reared its head. Pitching was great but hitting was poor in Miami this past season. Four trades at the deadline helped them cash in on some value. Signing some more outfield bats is Miami's top priority going into next season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Giants knew they had to address their pitching staff this winter due to four members from 2021 becoming free agents. They brought back 2 arms and added another so the rotation should be settled. However, rumors are swirling that San Francisco won't be splurging on any big names. A former All-Star in his prime is in talks with a team in Japan because he's not drawing MLB interest. What caused his decline? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Washington Nationals had an underwhelming season. Despite entering with somewhat high expectations to compete in their division, that goal evaporated by mid-summer and they (wisely) decided to have a fire sale. Trades flew and 8 players were shipped out in exchange for 12 new players/prospects. The Nats' post-deadline was tough to watch but Juan Soto turned in an excellent season anyway. The Nats might not be bottom-feeders for long, though. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Justin Verlander's deal with the Astros is official: 2 years, $50 million. Although the contract was signed and submitted to MLB for approval before the lockout began, it wasn't actually approved until now. The Astros are making a big bet on the future Hall of Famer rebounding from Tommy John Surgery at age 39. Seiya Suzuki is the next big name from Japan looking to make a move to MLB. What does the Japanese slugger have to offer and who's interested in him? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets are closing in on a new managerial hire. Buck Showalter and Joe Espada are two of the final candidates but many think it's Showalter's job to lose. Is his no-nonsense attitude something the Mets need? The Nationals signed Maikel Franco and Dee Strange-Gordon to minor league deals. 2022 will be a rebuilding year in DC so both should get ample opportunity to make the team out of Spring Training. All this on today's episode.
There is a market for fringe MLB players to continue or resurrect their careers while still making a strong salary. It means going overseas to Korea or Japan and some notable players are doing it this winter. What are the pros and cons of this strategy? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Pirates endured another 100+ loss season in 2021. On the bright side, Bryan Reynolds blossomed into an All-Star center fielder and Jacob Stallings won a Gold Glove. Pittsburgh isn't quite ready to take the next step yet, which is probably why they traded Stallings already. How much longer will it be until they can contend? All this on today's episode.
The 2021 Texas Rangers were the first team to open their gates to fans at full capacity after a pandemic-long absence. With a shiny new ballpark, expectations began rising in the organization. The Rangers only won 60 games this year, but they're poised to make a big jump in 2022. Help is already on the way thanks to some big moves in free agency. All this (and more) on today's episode.
A few teams have been linked to free agent shortstop Trevor Story, most recently including the Red Sox and Astros. If so, what is Xander Bogaerts' long term outlook in Boston? Do the Astros trust their up-and-coming shortstop prospect Jeremy Pena? The Mets have made huge splashes but they still need a manager. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's Hall of Fame voting season. As we get ready to announce a new class from the regular ballot, let's note the old-time players who just got inducted through a special committee. There are "veterans committees" formed to represent players from different eras of baseball history. The era due for voting rotates on an annual basis. Who got in this year? All this on today's episode.
The Diamondbacks had a forgettable season. It was a long summer in the desert and wins were hard to come by. What went wrong for Arizona, who has potential there, and how can they move forward? All this on today's episode.
The Orioles finished 2021 tied for the worst record in MLB. They struggled on all major fronts including offense, pitching, and defense. There were some bright spots in Baltimore including Cedric Mullins' All-Star season and Trey Mancini's comeback. Baltimore will likely call up two of their top prospects in 2022: Adley Rustchman and Grayson Rodriguez. What else must they do to start moving in the right direction? All this (and more) on today's episode.
What caused MLB to implement a lockout? What does a lockout even mean? The owners and MLB Player's Association will have to settle their differences about the economics of free agency, service time manipulation, tanking, and more. All this on today's episode.
A flurry of deals poured in as the clock ticked towards Wednesday's 11:59 pm EST deadline. Chris Taylor returned to the Dodgers on a 4-year, $60 million deal. Stroman became a Cub for 3-years, $71 million, and the Red Sox and Brewers pulled off a surprise trade. Because no agreement was reached between the owners and player's union, MLB has entered a lockout. What does this mean? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Raisel Iglesias was one of the top arms on the free agent list this offseason, but he has just agreed to a four-year deal to return to the Angels. Iglesias will make $56 million over the next hours. Leury Garcia is back in a White Sox uniform on a one-year deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The free agency fireworks continued as Max Scherzer, Cory Seager, and Robbie Ray all found new homes. Big money deals are appearing, and we're not done yet. Scherzer will be a Met, Seager will be a Ranger, and Ray will be a Mariner. We discuss the full details of each deal and the immediate impact for the teams. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Hot Stove is blazing as free agents fly off the board. Marcus Semien became the first big shortstop to find a team as he agreed to a 7-year, $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers. This means we'll see some large numbers for Seager and Correa when they eventually sign. Are the Rangers and Marlins ready to contend? Kevin Gausman is headed to the Blue Jays on a 5-year, $110 million deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros signed former Phillies closer Hector Neris to a two-year, $17 million deal. Having played in Philadelphia his entire career, Neris is no stranger to playing in tough situations and environments. Adam Frazier will be the Mariners' everyday 2B in 2022. Seattle traded for Frazier, who will be a free agent after the 2022 season. Pablo Sandoval wants to play next year. The Panda isn't done yet. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Like many others, the Mets went shopping on Black Friday. In the busiest day for a single team in recent memory, New York agreed to deals with 3 free agents: Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha, and Starling Marte. These are huge moves which completely change the Mets lineup and defense - especially in the outfield. What does this mean for guys like Dominic Smith, JD Davis, Jeff McNeil, and Robinson Cano? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Kyle Schwarber is a free agent for the second straight year. After his first career All-Star selection and record setting power surge in the summer, he'll be a hotter commodity this time around. The use of a universal DH will increase his value further. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Steven Matz has agreed to a 4-year, $44 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. A bidding war emerged for the hard-throwing lefty, which raised his price tag above what many predicted. Wade Davis was one of the best relievers of the past decade, and he has called it a career. Marcus Stroman is drawing interest from at least 5 teams at the moment. Who doesn't want a consistent and durable groundball artist? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays have found their guy. With less than 1 year of MLB service time, Wander showed up just the tip of the iceberg. There must be something about key bullpen arms that the White Sox really enjoy. Kendall Graveman has agreed to a deal with the White Sox and looks to be one of the most impactful signings of the Hot Stove season so far. Who made the All-MLB Teams? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Trey Mancini and Buster Posey were named AL & NL Comeback Player of the Year in their respective leagues. The Giants are calling reinforcements for their pitching staff - they've re-signed Anthony DeSclafani and look to bring back Alex Wood. Big Papi and A-Rod have entered the Hall of Fame ballot. All this (and more) on today's episode.
By bringing back Justin Verlander, the Astros have signaled their intent to remain competitive in coming years. They won't bring back Correa, but they've got their eyes on other elite shortstops. The Red Sox seem to like bringing in former Dodgers. Could Chris Taylor end up in Boston? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Wander Franco is baseball's next big thing and the Rays know that. Tampa Bay has reportedly offered Franco a ten-year deal worth $150-200 million. This would be a record amount for a player with less than one year of MLB service time. When does it make sense for a player to sign an early extension? All this (and more) on today's episode.
With award season behind us, the offseason focus shifts to free agency. There's a strong free market this year, but who are the best players available? We take a look at the top free agent at each position and what they bring to the table. All this on today's episode.
Bryce Harper has been named NL MVP. Shohei Ohtani has been named AL MVP. Harper solidified his Hall of Fame trajectory with the second MVP of his career. Shohei Ohtani was a unanimous selection after turning in the greatest season we've ever seen. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's not the tandem most people envisioned at the beginning of the season, but Robbie Ray and Corbin Burnes are the 2021 American League and National League Cy Young award winners, respectively. Both pitchers have improved significantly in their primes. Justin Verlander is re-signing with the Astros on a 1-year, $25 million deal. All this on today's episode.
Noah Syndergaard has agreed to a 1-year, $21 million deal with the Angels. The Angels have been looking for pitching and will get a strong starter to slot in behind Ohtani. Syndergaard gets a great salary to prove he's healthy next year. Gabe Kapler and Kevin Cash were named Manager of the Year in their respective leagues. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Tigers have agreed to a 5-year, $77 million deal with Eduardo Rodriguez. Detroit is done with their rebuild and rapidly moving towards contention now. They still need another starting pitcher and a shortstop but their winter is off to a great start. Jonathan India was named NL Rookie of the Year. Randy Arozarena was named AL Rookie of the Year. All this on today's episode.
Eduardo Rodriguez is drawing interest from multiple teams including the Blue Jays, Angels, and Tigers. E-Rod's ERA seemed inflated last season and teams are able to look past that due to strong underlying metrics. Robinson Cano has completed his 162-game suspension. What can we expect from him as he returns to the Mets? Will the A's trade Matt Chapman. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Nolan Arenado and Carlos Correa were named this year's Platinum Glove winners. Arenado won it for the fifth consecutive season while Correa won his first. Starling Marte is 33 years old, but he still has elite speed and plenty of teams are lining up for his services. Freddie Freeman is a free agent, but nobody believes he'll play anywhere but Atlanta.
MLB proposed a system where player arbitration-eligible players would earn salaries dictated by WAR metrics. WAR is a good metric, but it does have its flaws. What are some downfalls of this approach? Former Blue Jays southpaw Brett Cecil has called it a career. It looks like some big-name free agents will sign in the next few weeks. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The 2021 Silver Slugger awards have been given out. Who are the best bats around? Marcus Semien keeps adding to his trophy case and had what might be the best contract year player in recent memory. Is this the last time we'll see a pitcher win it? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Juan Soto just might be the best hitter of this generation. Some believe he could be baseball's first $500 million man. Would the Nationals be willing to spend that? Joakim Soria has hung up his cleats after a strong 14-season career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Hank Aaron award is awarded to the best offensive performer in each league. This year's awardees are Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bryce Harper. At age 22, Vlad became the youngest winner ever. Meanwhile, Harper took home his his 2nd such award. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Dodgers did not extend Clayton Kershaw a qualifying offer and he will become a free agent. Could Kershaw possibly be pitching somewhere else in 2022? What is the Dodgers' best strategy to fill their pitching needs? Justin Verlander hosted a workout which was attended by 15-20 teams. His fastball sat in the mid-90s. Verlander will be one of the most intriguing arms on the market this winter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Gold Glove Award winners have been announced for 2021. St. Louis led the way with 5 Cardinals bringing home hardware. Nolan Arenado won his ninth straight Gold Glove. Is Yuli Gurriel getting better with age? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Carlos Correa has an offer on the table from the Astros for 6 years, $160 million. The total value is nowhere near what Correa is likely looking for after seeing Lindor & Tatis score $340+ million. Noah Syndergaard received a qualifying offer from the Mets - he really should accept it. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Add Joc Pederson to the list of free agent outfielders this winter. Because Pederson declined his mutual option, he is able to search for a deal on the open market. Will he get a multi-year deal? Dusty Baker is returning to manage the Astros in 2022. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We take a look at the schedule for the upcoming awards season. Gold Glove awards will be up first and unveiled this weekend, followed by all the remaining major awards later in November. Who might the winners be? Nick Castellanos has opted out of the 2 years and $34 million remaining on his contract. He'll be a free agent. All this on today's episode.
Buster Posey's illustrious career has come to and end. Posey will announce his retirement during a press conference on Thursday. Does he have a case for the Hall of Fame? The Tigers are poised for a productive winter. They got things started by acquiring Tucker Barnhart in a trade with the Reds. All this on today's episode.
The Atlanta Braves are 2021 World Series Champions. Atlanta took down Houston by a score of 7-0 in Game 6. Jorge Soler blasted a moonshot en route to collecting World Series MVP honors. How did they get here? What was their key to success? All this (and more) on today's episode.
What can we expect from the Padres now that Bob Melvin is their manager? Melvin will be handed a roster with the most talent he's ever seen. What will the A's do to replace him? Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy passed away after losing his battle with cancer. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With their backs against the wall, the Astros won a back-and-forth contest to force Game 6 against the Braves. The Braves struck immediately with a first inning grand slam, but Houston scratched and clawed their way back. The Astros shuffled their lineup and it worked. Alex Bregman & Carlos Correa joined in with big hits. We have ourselves a series.
The beat goes on for the Atlanta Braves. They continue to play exceptionally well at home and defeated the Astros to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Another strong pitching effort plus back-to-back homers from Dansby Swanson & Jorge Soler led the Braves in this one. Don't count the Astros out yet, but their bats will have to wake up to salvage their championship hopes.
Game 3 of the World Series featured great pitching on both sides but the Braves came out on top. Ian Anderson led the way with 5 no-hit innings. Anderson has started more playoff games than any rookie in MLB history. Braves pitchers combined for a 2-hit shutout. With managerial roles open around MLB, Ron Washington's name has been coming up a lot lately. All this on today's episode.
The World Series is tied at one game apiece. Houston returned the favor with a strong offensive performance of their own. The series will head back to Atlanta for 3 games. Is 2-3-2 a reasonable format anymore? After a few weeks of searching, the Padres have found their new manager. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves jumped out to an early lead and maintained it en route to a Game 1 victory in the World Series. Braves starter, Charlie Morton, left the game early after what proved to be a broken leg. How will the Braves replace him? Shohei Ohtani taught us that something called the Historic Achievement Award even exists. Nelson Cruz is this year's Roberto Clemente Award winner.
The World Series begins in Houston as the Astros seek to silence all their haters. The Braves are back in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1999. Who has the upper hand and what should we be watching for? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cardinals' managerial opening didn't last very long. St. Louis is hiring Oliver Marmol to be their next manager. At 35, Marmol will be the youngest manager in MLB. The Silver Slugger finalists have been announced. Who made this first cut?
What path will the Giants take this winter? They have a pitching staff to rebuild, veterans to retain, and plenty of money to spend. Kyle Schwarber expressed interest in returning to Boston, but will they have room? How does the qualifying offer work and who might accept one this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Atlanta Braves are going to the World Series. Eddie Rosario took home NLCS MVP honors as he led the Braves offense as they clinched the National League pennant. It's quite an underdog story considering the major injuries the Braves sustained this year. We've learned not to count them out.
For the third time in five years, the Houston Astros have won the American League pennant. The Astros silenced Boston's bats over the last three games. Yordan Alvarez' hot bat earned him ALCS MVP. They await the winner of the Braves-Dodgers series. Max Scherzer is battling a "dead arm" and won't pitch for LA in Game 6. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Dodgers quickly silenced whispers of their season coming to an end just yet. Chris Taylor belted 3 HRs and AJ Pollock added 2 more as they routed the Braves to make it a 3-2 series heading back to Atlanta. Houston looks to close things out at home. Can they? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cody Bellinger tomahawked a 3-run homer to bring the Dodgers all the way back to victory. Atlanta was close to taking a stranglehold in this series, but never count LA out. Houston tied the ALCS with a late rally of their own. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros lost badly to the Red Sox in Game 3 of the ALCS. Boston's bats are feasting off weak pitching. Who can the Astros turn to to stop the bleeding? Aaron Boone is returning to manage the Yankees on a 3-year deal. Who is to blame for the Yankees' playoff shortcomings in recent years? All this (and more) on today's episode.
We're still not quite sure why Mike Shildt got fired by the Cardinals. The Padres are interested in him though. MLB has announced major plans to provide housing for minor league players next season. We might also be getting a streaming service for in-market games. Joctober continued in Atlanta as the Braves took a 2-0 series lead. All this (and more) on today's episode.
After homering, Austin Riley was adorned with MVP chants by the Atlanta crowd. He did not disappoint. Riley's walk-off single sent those fans home happy and got the Braves off to a good start in the NLCS? Can they follow suit in Game 2?
The ALCS is tied at one game a piece. Both the Red Sox and Astros have flexed their muscles as expected. Kike Hernandez is suddenly the hottest hitter on the planet. Will there be enough pitching on both sides? All this (and more) on today's episode.
It was another close game, but the Dodgers came out on top. LA advances to the NLCS after a hard-fought series with the Giants. These were arguably the two best teams in MLB, but someone had to go home. The ALCS begins with the Red Sox vs. Astros. Expect plenty of offense. All this (and more) on today's episode.
After an objectively successful tenure in St. Louis, Cardinals' manager Mike Shildt has been fired. He and the club reportedly had a "philosophical difference" about the direction of the team. Lance McCullers might be out for the ALCS, which would be a massive blow to Houston. Who will take Game 5 of the NLDS? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves and Astros have advanced to the next round of the playoffs. Atlanta awaits the winner of the Dodgers-Giants series while Houston will get a rematch of the 2018 ALCS with Boston. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There's some Fenway Magic in the air this fall. With yet another walk-off victory, the Red Sox beat the Rays to advance to the ALCS. It's a big upset, no matter how you slice it. Joc Pederson is no stranger to playoff baseball. His latest act was a pinch hit 3-run HR to lead the Braves to victory. The Giants showed every ingredient of championship baseball in their Game 3 win at Dodger Stadium. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Christian Vasquez delivered a walk-off home run to put Boston up 2-1 in the ALDS. The game wasn't without controversy though. Were the Rays robbed by a bad rule? Chicago was rocking as the White Sox returned home to host the Astros. In a must-win game, the White Sox roared back to stun Houston. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres fired their manager last week. How much of the blame did he deserve for their disappointing season? Clayton Kershaw has officially been shut down for the year. Both NLDS series are tied up at 1-1. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros are letting their bats do the talking. They've taken a commanding lead in the series against the Astros, largely due to great offense throughout the lineup. The Red Sox must have gotten the memo too, as they blasted 5 HRs in Tampa to tie up their series. It was a pitcher's duel in Milwaukee but the Brewers got the win. Logan Webb was electric for the Giants and the veterans homered as SF beat LA.
The ALDS began with the Astros and Rays each defending their home turf. Lance McCullers Jr. set the tone for the Astros with 6.2 shutout innings. The Rays looked great from top-to-bottom and Randy Arozarena still has his postseason magic. The NLDS begins tonight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Chris Taylor delivered the knockout blow with a walk-off home run against the Cardinals last night. St. Louis got out to an early lead but only scored one run all night. What should we watch for in the upcoming NLDS and ALDS matchups?
The Red Sox defeated the Yankees by a score of 6-2 in the American League Wild Card Game. The Green Monster tamed Giancarlo Stanton and the Red Sox bats were wide awake. Tampa Bay awaits Boston. Despite winning 106 games, the Dodgers will play in tonight's Wild Card game against the Cardinals. It will be vs. Adam Wainwright vs. Max Scherzer. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The AL Wild Card Game is here. It'll be Yankees vs. Red Sox in Boston. Win or go home. Who will advance?
It's been two years since the last time, but we made it through a full 162 game season. We avoided tiebreakers and chaos because the Giants, Red Sox, and Yankees all won. Who led MLB in each major statistical category? All this (and more) on today's episode.
We enter the final day of the regular season with very high stakes. From a potential 4-way tie in the AL Wild Card to an NL West battle that's still undecided, this could be the wildest finish to a season since 2011. Let's break it down on today's episode.
Clayton Kershaw might miss the postseason due to a forearm injury. The Dodgers will look much different in the playoffs without him. A Mariners loss and a Red Sox win created some space for Boston in the AL Wild Card race. Will it be enough? Juan Soto's case for NL MVP is solid. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The season's final season is upon us. The AL Wild Card race is coming down to the wire and there are a bunch of scenarios which could play out. We could even see a four-way tie. Don't look now, but the Mariners are in the playoff picture. Who should win the NL MVP? All this (and more) on today's episode.
As we march towards the final days oft he regular season, more teams are punching their tickets. The Giants have a grasp on the NL West and aren't wavering. Will they finish with baseball's best record? Have we seen the last of Luke Voit in New York? Ohtani won't make his final pitching start bu will remain in the lineup. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Brewers clinched the NL Central but received some bad news soon after. Devin Williams punched a wall during the celebration and fractured his hand. He'll require surgery and is out for the year. Nolan Arenado says he won't opt out. Michael A. Taylor can't hit much, but his glove has earned him an extension with the Royals. All this on today's episode.
After 2 years away, Noah Syndergaard returned to an MLB mound. Syndergaard will be one of the more interesting cases in free agency this winter. Is he better off taking a qualifying offer? Will the Mets even offer it to him? Brandon Belt has been awesome when healthy this year. Unfortunately, the Giants will have to make a deep playoff run for him to return. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Harrison Bader & Giancarlo Stanton were named NL and AL players of the week, respectively. Believe it or not, but the final week of the season is here. Some of these playoff races might come right down to the wire. Who faces the toughest test ahead? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Alek Manoah has become a solid no. 3 starter for the Blue Jays. He's been a key player in their late season push, but can the Blue Jays squeeze into the playoff picture with a week remaining? Wander Franco returned to the lineup and picked up right where he left off. His on-base streak sits at 41 games now. We'll see more of Franco, baseball's top prospect, on the big stage in October. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cardinals have won 15 straight. That 2nd Wild Card spot is in clear sight for them now. The Yankees rolled into Boston and took the first two games of the series, forcing a tie atop the Wild Card standings. With 7 games left to go, who will come out on top? Daniel Hudson & Adam Duvall rewrote history after facing off in the continuation of a suspended game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Juan Soto has found his way back to the top of MLB's batting average leaderboard. He's been his usual, dominant self all year long but let's take a close look at the damage he's done. Will the Nats extend him to a record-breaking deal? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The White Sox have won this year's AL Central division title. They're looking to make a deep run in October, so the journey has only just begun. The Cardinals just won't lose. It turns out stealing the other team's sign card is going to get you beaned. Just ask Kevin Kiermaier. All this (and more) on today's episode.
LaMonte Wade loves hitting in the 9th inning this year. He delivered yet another late-game RBI to push the Giants to victory against the Padres. The Dodgers are only 1 game behind in the NL West. Name a better duo than Giancarlo Stanton and screaming home runs. The Cardinals notched the 10th straight victory and are now squarely in the 2nd Wild Cad spot. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With the season winding down, let's take some time to appreciate the strong rookie performances we've been seeing this year. Jonathan India is locked in on the NL Rookie of the Year award, but the AL race isn't as clear. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Most of this year's division leaders hold a commanding lead, so we're shifting more attention towards Wild Card races now. Luis Severino has been activated from the injured list. It's been almost 2 years since we last saw him pitch. Can he recapture his old form for the Yankees? Anthony Gose has been called up by the Indians - as a pitcher! Remember him? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis had a loud confrontation in the dugout. Machado appeared to be yelling at Tatis for dwelling too long on a called third strike. Padres manager, Jayce Tingler, backed Machado after the game. The Brewers became the latest team to punch a playoff ticket. Stop us if you've heard this before: the Rays are calling up a top prospect. Shane Baz will make his MLB debut on Monday. All this (and more) on today's episode.
When Brett Phillips breaks out the airplane, you can be sure a big moment just happened. Phillips' walk-off 3 run HR pulled the Rays closer to an AL East division title. The Cardinals laid low all summer, but they've snagged a wild card position thanks to consistent contributions from veterans and young players alike. Is Tyler O'Neill their next big name? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bryce Harper has almost single-handedly kept the Phillies in the playoff hunt - or at least it seems so. Ryan Mountcastle has shown great power in his rookie year. He's a young piece the Orioles can build with moving forward. The home run race has gotten crowded. Will it be Salvy, Vlad, Ohtani, or someone else?
Starling Marte leads MLB in batting average, but he can't win a batting title this year. How is this possible? Marte qualifies on an MLB-wide basis but not on an AL or NL basis alone. We discuss the mechanics of this quirky rule.
A day after the Giants became the first team to clinch a playoff spot, the Dodgers did so too. Both teams are still hungry for the division crown. It seems like the Cardinals came out of nowhere, but they're in the playoff picture too. We have a tie atop the AL Wild Card race. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ryan Braun has formally announced his retirement. Part of a stacked 2005 draft class, Braun quickly made his way to the big leagues and never looked back. He racked up a Rookie of the Year, 6 All-Star nods, 5 Silver Sluggers, and an MVP award. Braun's career did have a controversial episode. How will he be remembered?
Francisco Lindor blasted three home runs en route to the best game of his Mets tenure. Perhaps it was the best game of his entire career. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. his his eyes on the Triple Crown. Max Scherzer notched his 3rd career immaculate inning and his 3,000th career strikeout in a gem for the Dodgers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Do we care about no-hitters anymore? Of course we do, but it's no surprise that this year's ninth no-hitter hasn't been met with as much excitement as some of the early ones. If you missed it, Byron Buxton is back. Javier Baez has resurrected his season since joining the Mets. It'll pay off handsomely this winter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Things have gotten very tight in the American League Wild Card race. It's looking like this one might come down to the wire. Kris Bryant made his return to Chicago for the first time as an opposing player. He clearly has a deep love for the city. Max Muncy has become an established and dependable power bat. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Can the Red Sox withstand all these COVID IL stints to their key players? Chris Sale is the latest Red Sox player impacted by the outbreak. Freddie Freeman is in the final year of his contract. He and the Braves have not been able to agree on an extension, which means he is likely to hit free agency this winter. It's hard to imagine Freeman playing anywhere else but anything can happen. All this (and more) on today's episode.
No one man can single-handedly win a baseball game, but Hunter Renfroe tried his best. Renfroe supplied all of Boston's offense and padded his lead at the MLB outfield assist leader. Wild Card races are getting tight. Derek Jeter and Larry Walker were honored during their Hall of Fame ceremony. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Nobody wants to face the Blue Jays right now. Winner of 6 straight and 9 of their last 10, Toronto is within striking distance of an AL Wild Card spot. Pete Alonso already has 100 career homers. He's the 2nd fastest to reach that mark. Blake Snell is pitching deep into ballgames now. How did that happen? All this (and more) on today's episode.
In their wildest win of the year, the Rays showed us why they lead MLB in comeback victories. Will moving Joey Gallo down in the lineup help the Yankees offense? Max Scherzer isn't slowing down anytime soon, is he? All this (and more) on today's episode.
September has gotten off to a wild start for several clubs around the league. Momentum has totally shifted in playoff races and new heroes are showing up each day. Let's take a dive into the new storylines that have developed in just the past week.
There are several hitters reaching new heights this season. Devers just notched his 100th RBI, Salvy hit his 40th HR, Tatis is leading the NL in HRs, and many more sluggers are putting the league on notice. On the pitching side, we don't pay attention to wins much anymore, but don't tell Julio Urias and the Dodgers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
First it was a game-tying grand slam by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Next it was a walk-off 3-run blast by Marcus Semien. We walk through the Blue Jays' electric comeback against Oakland. How did the Giants manage to win on a routine groundball to 2B? Sparks flew in Cincinnati as the Tigers and Reds put on a home run derby. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We saw spectacular performances in August. Jose Abreu reminded us why he's the reigning AL MVP, Robby Ray put the Blue Jays on his back, and we discovered a guy named Frank Schwindel. Let's uncover each of the latest Player, Pitcher, and Rookie of the Month winners.
We've entered the final month of the regular season and it's crunch time. Which teams have the toughest remaining schedules? The Giants have held the NL West's #1 spot all summer, but they now have company. Starling Marte is running wild in Oakland. He might be this year's best trade acquisition. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets had to resume a game that began back in April and found themselves in a four-run deficit. A late rally and heads-up baserunning from Javier got them the victory. Blake Snell put an exclamation point on his August with 7 no-hit innings against Arizona. The Padres have been waiting all year for this version of Snell. Andrew McCutchen still has pop in his bat these days. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays will keep things interesting the AL playoff race as we enter the final month. Did you know Robbie Ray has more strikeouts than Gerrit Cole? Will Mike Trout return this season? All this (and more) on today's episode.
We enjoyed a series featuring two of baseball's best names: Yoshi Tsutsugo and Lars Nootbar. Salvador Perez homered in his 5th straight game and seized the record for most HRs by an American League catcher. Have you realized what CJ Cron is doing this month? Are Mets fans and Mets players beefing? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani recorded his 20th stolen base of the year, making him the first Angels player with 40 HR and 20 steals in the same season. Age is just a number to Adam Wainwright - he looks vintage out there these days. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There's a player in his prime right now who is on pace for a Hall of Fame career but few of us realize it. Yasmani Grandal blasted 2 home runs in his return to the lineup. The White Sox are fully reloaded and ready for the playoffs. Salvador Perez and Whit Merrifield may be stuck in a weak lineup, but they're still getting their numbers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have a 12-game win streak and it's their longest since 1961. Chris Sale tossed the third immaculate inning of his career. His return from Tommy John is looking great so far. Can Syndergaard really survive without throwing any breaking balls this year? Strong seasons from Marcus Semien and Juan Soto have flown under the radar. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Orioles suffered a 19-game losing streak, but they finally stopped the bleeding. They ambushed Ohtani for 3 home runs in last night's victory against the Angels. Will Justin Verlander possibly be back for the playoffs? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yadier Molina will return on a 1-year, $10 million deal next year. It will also be the final season of his career. The Cardinals should bring back Wainwright because it only makes sense. The Padres have fallen on hard times lately. Who will be the odd men out as key Yankees return from injury? Is Harrison Bader a Gold Glove centerfielder? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Travis Shaw made an emphatic return to Boston with a walk-off grand slam. Lance Lynn has been terrific all year and should be a front-runner for AL Cy Young. It's easy to forget how good Giancarlo Stanton is, but he's extremely consistent when he actually plays. Salvador Perez provides tremendous value at the dish but do you realize how rare that is for a catcher? All this (and more) on today's episode.
We take a look at 5 major series coming up this week. It's crunch time for playoff hopefuls. The Yankees look like the Bronx Bombers again and the Dodgers are creeping up the NL West. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With a patented opposite-field blast, Miguel Cabrera became the 28th member of MLB's 500 home run club. Miggy has put together a phenomenal Hall of Fame career, but he's not done yet. Next up: 3,000 hits. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves signed Travis d'Arnaud to a two-year, $16 million extension. How good can d'Arnaud be moving forward? Cole Hamels' Dodgers tenure ended before it began. It's probably time for him to retire. After pitching for Team USA in Tokyo, David Robertson is working his way back to the MLB with the Rays. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There's a new angel in the outfield in Anaheim. Brandon Marsh became the first Angels player to hit two triples in the same game since Erick Aybar in 2011. The Yankees finally addressed the glaring flaw in their lineup. Don't look now, but the Reds are just one game out of a playoff spot. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Will Shohei Ohtani mess around and win both a Cy Young and MVP in the same season? We might be witnessing the greatest season of all time. Miguel Cabrera is still looking for his 500th career home run, but he'll get there soon enough. For the second time in his career, Freddie Freeman hit for the cycle. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Six weeks ago, the Red Sox held a 10.5 game lead over the Yankees. That lead is gone. Both teams have gone in opposite directions since the deadline and New York is firmly in the playoff picture again. What other division races are shaping up? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Don't remind the Braves that they're missing multiple star players. Atlanta has seized first place in the NL East. Brandon Crawford is having the best year of his career at age 34. Joey Votto notched his 2000th career hit. Is he a Hall of Famer? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Fernando Tatis Jr. made his return to the lineup but he was playing a new position - right field. Tatis' bat is what truly matters and he showed why. Triston McKenzie gave the Tigers much trouble as he flirted with perfection into the eighth inning. When will Mike Trout return? All this (and more) on today's episode.
You probably never heard of Tyler Gilbert before last night. That's because he had only thrown 3 innings in his career. Gilbert tossed a no-hitter in his first career start, becoming the first D-Backs pitcher to do so at home. After a 2 year gap between appearances, Chris Sale made his return from Tommy John surgery. The Yankees and White Sox played another thriller. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's been a great MLB season so far. After missing a normal experience in 2020, we're glad to have a full regular season back. Which players or teams have been the biggest surprises so far?
The Yankees and White Sox played a game in an Iowa cornfield. It was a few years in the making, but the whole ordeal was a huge success. Tim Anderson sent the White Sox home with a walk-off home run to end an exciting night of baseball and fanfare. Was this the game of the year?
Adam Wainwright turns 40 at the end of this month, but that hasn't stopped him from turning in vintage performances. Wainwright threw a complete game shutout on just 88 pitches against Pittsburgh. Miguel Cabrera hit career home run #499. Chris Davis announced his retirement. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets expect to use Noah Syndergaard as a reliever when he returns. They hope he'll be back some time next month. Will they be in the playoff picture by then? If you haven't seen it already, check out Trea Turner's smooth slide into home plate. Salvador Perez homered twice as the Royals put a pause on the Yankees' hot streak.
Bradley Zimmer's 471 foot blast punctuated a big win for the Indians over the Reds. It may have seemed like just another game, but the victory meant Cleveland would retain the Ohio Cup for another year. Luis Robert joined in on the White Sox fun in his return to the lineup. Is Lewis Brinson finally breaking out? All this (and more) on today's episode.
In just a week, the AL and NL East standings have been shaken up. The Red Sox and Mets have been knocked down while the Phillies, Yankees, and Blue Jays keep climbing up. They've been winning all year long, but the White Sox lineup is getting even better. Luis Robert makes his return tonight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Fernando Tatis Jr. was seen taking outfield reps over the past couple of days. The Padres might be considering playing him there to protect his ailing shoulder. Brock Holt showed us what a 31 mph eephus looks like. The Tigers extended Jonathan Schoop. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Japan won the Gold medal for baseball at the Olympics. Although fans weren't in attendance, they did it with pride on their home soil. Ramon Laureano tested positive for PEDs and has been suspended for 80 games. It's a big blow, but Starling Marte's walkoff HR reminded the A's they still have one of the best centerfielders in baseball. The Dodgers have activated Trea Turner. Who will be the odd man out for playing time? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Could Yadier Molina return for yet another season next year? That's what he's looking to do. Luke Voit led the MLB in home runs last year and has been an excellent player ever since he joined the Yankees. However, New York still tried to trade him. Anthony Rendon will miss the rest of the year due to hip surgery. Unfortunately for the Angels, their key players keep getting hurt. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have been hot lately. Much of it has been due to Anthony Rizzo, who's been on a tear since joining the team over the last 6 games. Max Scherzer made his Dodgers debut and looked vintage. Carlos Correa won this round of his beef with Joe Kelly. George Springer's consistent power and on-base skills make the Blue Jays lineup even more lethal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros were met with a raucous environment at Dodger Stadium, but they came through with a victory. It was the largest crowd at any MLB game this year. Akil Baddoo and Jonathan India continue to show poise as young leadoff hitters with a lot of promise. MadBum twirled a gem against the Giants, which just feels weird. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There's a superstar out there who doesn't get much attention anymore. He's putting up elite numbers and has proven to be very durable. Who stole DJ LeMahieu's powers. The Astros long-awaited return to LA is finally here. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Kumar Rocker and the Mets did not reach an agreement on a contract. The Mets initially offered $6 million but then rescinded it after reviewing Rocker's post-draft medical exam. This tarnishes the Mets overall draft because their strategy did not account for this scenario. Rocker will not be returning to Vanderbilt, so he'll have to find another path to professional baseball.
After four games without a home run, the Giants' bats came back with a vengeance. They cranked 5 home runs in a victory against the Astros. Anthony Rizzo has hit the ground running in New York. Is he the piece that's been missing from the Yankees all along? George Springer showed the Toronto faithful what he's all about. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We just experienced the busiest trade deadline in recent memory. The Cubs & Nationals cleaned house, the Yankees & Blue Jays are alive, the White Sox are scary, and the Braves loaded up on outfielders. By the way, Joey Votto is reminding us that he's a future Hall of Famer. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Dodgers stunned the baseball world by executing a blockbuster deal to bring Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to LA. The Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches and are the clear-cut favorites to win it all. The deadline is just hours away. Will Kris Bryant remain a Cub? Who will land Jose Berrios? All this (and more) on today's episode.
In less than a day, the Yankees may have resurrected their season. They acquired both Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo, both of whom will add balance to their righty-heavy lineup. The Dodgers traded for Danny Duffy, the Blue Jays got Brad Hand, and many more deals around the league. All this on today's episode.
Starling Marte is off the market. The A's traded for Marte in exchange for Jesus Luzardo. It's a 1-for-1 swap and shows that Oakland is going for it. We could see Max Scherzer on the move very soon. Plenty of trades to discuss and more will be on the way. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ohtani did double duty for the Angels last night as he chipped in a stolen base, RBI, and 7 innings of one-run ball. The AL MVP is his to lose. Andrew McCutchen's 8th career walkoff homer sent the Phillies home happy. How do the Mariners have such a good record? Javier Baez and Amir Garrett don't like each other. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adam Frazier has been traded to San Diego. The left-handed hitting All-Star second baseman will bring more balance to the Padres lineup. Does this mean Eric Hosmer is on the move? Byron Buxton rejected the Twins' lowball contract offer. The Yankees had another late-inning meltdown. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Patrick Sandoval was two outs away from a no-hitter in the Angels close 2-1 win over the Twins. He's developed into a solid rotation piece for the Angels and will continue improving. Framber Valdez tossed 6 no-hit innings for the Astros. Fernando Tatis entered the 30/20 club in just 82 games played this season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rafael Devers has enjoyed hitting against the Yankees this year. He added two homers last night (the 99th and 100th of his career) in another rivalry win. Tyrone Taylor ignited the Milwaukee faithful with his first career grand slam. Nelson Cruz looks comfortable already. More help is on the way for the Mets. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cleveland Indians will have a new name next year. They'll be called the Guardians. What are your thoughts on the new name? Nelson Cruz is now in Tampa Bay and Rich Hill is a Met. The Yankees bullpen had another epic meltdown. Did the Dodgers get robbed in last night's loss to the Giants? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Trades are starting to occur as we stand just over a week away from the deadline. The Reds stumbled out of the gate in the second half and it just got worse. Nick Castellanos suffered a wrist microfracture which could sideline him for a few weeks. Did Yermin Mercedes really retire? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Can James Kaprelian become the ace Oakland needs to reach the next level in October? Will Adames started hitting for power all of a sudden. The Brewers aren't complaining. Will Smith's walkoff HR sealed a victory over San Francisco. It's going to be a tight 3-team race out west. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Just two months after etching his name in the record books, Spencer Turnbull's season is officially over. Turnbull will undergo Tommy John surgery and even his 2023 season is in jeopardy. With all the talent they've acquired in recent years, the Tigers are shaping up to be a good team very soon. Luis Robert is on his way back to the White Sox and they're gearing up for a World Series push. What should we expect from the Dodgers' Josiah Gray? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets survived an early meltdown and six run deficit against the Pirates and salvaged the series finale in Pittsburgh. How exactly did the Pirates score 3 runs on a swinging bunt? The Angels called up Brandon Marsh. Is he their center fielder of the future? Starling Marte declined a contract extension from the Marlins so we could see him traded over the next 1.5 weeks. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres-Nationals game was suspended in the 6th inning due to a shooting that occurred outside the ballpark. It was a scary moment as many people weren't sure where the shots were coming from. The Pirates saw their largest home crowd of the season and Jacob Stallings sent them home happy with a walk-off grand slam. A fan threw a ball at Alex Verdugo during the Yankees rain-soaked victory over Boston. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jed Lowrie turned around a 101 mph fastball from Emmanuel Clase and deposited it into the bleachers, giving the A's a walk-off victory to open the second half of their season. There was another cycle at Nats Park, but this time it was by an opposing player, Jake Cronenworth. Eduardo Rodriguez looked sharp as the Red Sox improved to 7-0 against the Yankees this season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
After being banished from their home for parts of two seasons, the Blue Jays will finally play in Toronto on July 30. The Canadian federal government has granted them a National Interest Exemption. The Cubs are selling. They shipped Joc Pederson to Atlanta and are now dangling Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Red Sox are calling in reinforcements for the second half. Top prospects Jarren Duran and Tanner Houck will join the team in New York to open the second half. Chris Sale is coming back too. He looked strong in his first rehab start. Jarred Kelenic is being recalled to the big leagues. Will he hit enough this time? All this (and more) on today's episode.
We saw a bit of everything during the All-Star Game. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took home MVP honors. The game had quite an international flavor to it and the American League extended their winning streak to 8. All this on today's episode.
All-Star lineups are out. MLB knows what it's doing by centering Ohtani and Tatis Jr. in the spotlight. Max Scherzer will make his 4th career All-Star Game start. Is he going to be a Hall of Famer when it's all said and done? Cole Hamels is hosting a tryout this week. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Pirates shocked many by taking Henry Davis with the #1 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. Davis is the real deal though and should make it up the ranks quickly. That pick did shake things up though. Where did others land? Pete Alonso defended his HR Derby crown and he made it look easy. All this on today's episode.
Ronald Acuna Jr. has torn his ACL and will undergo season-ending surgery. It's a massive blow to both the Braves and baseball in general. Gerrit Cole made an emphatic return to Houston, tossing a complete game shutout. Christian Yelich was ejected after a judgement call at first base. Should he have been called out? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Eloy Jimenez has begun a rehab assignment and should be back with the White Sox within the next month. It will be a welcome addition for the injury-riddled squad as they still have deep postseason ambitions. A Lindor grand slam paced the Mets in a 13-run outburst. The Yankees returned to Houston for the first time since the '19 ALCS. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Neither Jose Altuve or Carlos Correa will participate in this year's All-Star festivities. Could it be because they're afraid of lingering bad blood around the league about the cheating scandal? We take a look at what to expect in this weekend's MLB Draft. The Cubs are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Who will they trade? All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's not even the All-Star break yet, but Shohei Ohtani has topped Hideki Matsui's record for the most home runs hit by a Japanese-born player. It won't count in the official record book, but the Rays threw a combined seven-inning no-hitter. The Marlins beat the Dodgers yet again with more late-game heroics. Akil Baddoo is quietly putting together a fine rookie season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With Salvador Perez, Matt Olson, Juan Soto, and Joey Gallo recently joining the fold, this year's HR Derby is set. It's going to be a good one. The Brewers have World Series ambitions. Will newly-acquired 1B Rowdy Tellez help them? These are sad times at Wrigley - the Cubs have lost 11 straight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cubs have lost 10 straight and are searching for answers. They haven't won a game since their combined no-hitter in LA. Kike Hernandez has been a surprising development for the Red Sox defense. Trea Turner missed a full four-game series over the weekend, but he returned to the lineup with a bang. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The complete All-Star rosters are here as reserves and pitchers have been announced. Are there any surprises? Chad Green delivered an immaculate inning to punctuate a 3-inning outing and secure a much-needed Yankees win. With their bench empty, the Braves turned to Max Fried to pinch hit in the bottom of the 10th. He didn't disappoint. All this (and more) on today's episode.
All of Bryce Harper's 14 HRs this year have had one thing in common. Carlos Correa is healthy and mashing this season - just what he needed for a strong payday in the winter. Are the White Sox going to pursue Trevor Story? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Brewers have won 11 straight games. They're just one shy of the franchise record and are running away with the NL Central. Just days after being named NL Player of the Month for June, Kyle Schwarber suffered a significant hamstring injury. Can the Nationals survive? The Yankees aren't contenders this year. Is it time to panic in the Bronx? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The 2021 All-Star Game starters have been revealed. As always, there are some controversial selections, but it's a reasonable group in general. Who was snubbed? Who has surprised us this year? All this on today's episode.
The Brewers were down by 7 runs before even grabbing their bats. That didn't stop them from scoring 15 unanswered runs in an epic comeback victory against the Cubs. Joe Panik quickly made his presence known with his new Marlins teammates. Can Miguel Cabrera reach the 500 HR milestone this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's Kyle Schwarber's world and we're just living in it. He's turned into the modern-day Barry Bonds during this hot stretch. Similarly, Shohei Ohtani is the modern-day Babe Ruth. Josh Donaldson homered off Lucas Giolito and suggested that it was because Giolito can't cheat anymore. Was getting no-hit last week a wake up call for LA? The Dodgers are on a roll against the best team in the league. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays said they need to improve, so they made some moves. Toronto acquired Corey Dickerson and Adam Cimber to provide left-handed offense and relief pitching, respectively. After re-tearing his Achilles, what does Mike Soroka's future look like now? Hector Santiago is this season's first player to receive a suspension for foreign substance abuse. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We're running out of words to describe Shohei Ohtani's talent. His latest feat: a HR, 2B, 3B, and stolen base. The Red Sox punished Gerrit Cole as they went on to sweep the Yankees again. Boston is 6-0 against NY this year. Trevor Story has announced he'll participate in the HR Derby. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Don't mess with the Giants. They are the best team in baseball right now and won't go down easy. Cody Bellinger gave the Dodgers their first walkoff win of the season. Due to injury, Bellinger has only played 20 games this year. LA hopes to have him at full strength the rest of the way. The D-Backs got their first road win since April. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Nola put the Phillies on his back in the opening game of a doubleheader at Citi Field. Nola struck out 10 straight Mets, becoming only the second pitcher in MLB history to accomplish the feat. Shohei Ohtani's first career leadoff HR came off that bat at 116.1 mph. That's the hardest-hit leadoff HR we've seen since Statcast began in 2015. Fernando Tatis Jr makes sure he won't be left out of the MLB home run race. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cubs combined for a no-hitter. That's the seventh we've seen so far this year, which ties an MLB record. Nobody can keep Kyle Schwarber in the yard right now. He's the hottest hitter on the planet. Vlad Guerrero Jr's at-bats have become must-see-TV. All it took was a wild pitch for the Rays to squeak out a 1-0 victory against Boston. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres hosted the Dodgers in front of 3 consecutive sellout crowds in San Diego. They didn't disappoint. The Padres swept LA for the first time since 2013. We know Oakland is good, but Houston is also going to be a problem this year. Make it 10 straight wins for the Astros. Ohtani and Gausman dueled in Anaheim. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Wander Franco made the most of his MLB debut. He belted a HR and a double, which jolted excitement to a Rays team that really needs some. Pitchers are getting visibly frustrated with the new enforcement of foreign substance rules. Did Joe Girardi go too far when asking for Scherzer to be checked a third time? Sergio Romo is sick of it too. All this on today's episode.
Byron Buxton came off the injured list a few days ago and picked up right where he left off. Unfortunately, he suffered a hand fracture and has returned to the injured list. After 17 games, the D-Backs' losing streak finally came to an end. Yu Darvish became the fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach 1,500 strikeouts. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays are calling for help and Wander Franco is on the way. The consensus #1 prospect in baseball will make his debut on Tuesday. Kyle Schwarber delivered a hat trick of home runs for the Nationals, giving him five homers in two games. The Yankees turned a triple play to end the game. It was their 3rd triple play of the year! All this (and more) on today's episode.
In a Chapman vs. Chapman showdown, Aroldis secured a save for the Yankees with a 103.4 mph fastball - the fastest pitch we've seen in the Majors this year. Walker Buehler was dominant against for the Dodgers as they picked up a win in Arizona. Is this a lost season for the D-Backs? All this (and more) on today's episode.
After announcing that he'll be participating in this year's Home Run Derby, Shohei Ohtani went out and blasted 2 home runs in an Angels victory. Yan Gomes put an end to a pitcher's duel as his walk-off single secured that Nationals' 5th straight win. We take a look at Yordan Alvarez's career numbers so far. Why isn't he more recognized? All this (and more) on today's episode.
In their first full-capacity home game of the year, the Padres delivered a thrilling victory for the San Diego crowd. A ninth inning rally set the stage for Victor Caratini's game winning walk-off HR. The Padres need to regain momentum after a rough few weeks. Houston likes to homer. The Astros tied an MLB record with their 10th straight multi-HR game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Wander Franco continues to rake at Triple A. Catch him at a game while you can because he won't be down there for much longer. Shohei Ohtani flashed his power and speed with a home run and a bunt hit against Oakland. Jose Altuve can't stop hitting homers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Tyler Glasnow suffered a partially torn UCL. He's certainly frustrated about it and he blames MLB's new enforcement of rules against foreign substances. Mookie is heating up for the Dodgers as they welcome fans back in at full capacity. Has Taijuan Walker been a steal for the Mets? All this (and more) on today's episode.
After a ninth inning scare where Vlad belted yet another home run to tie the game, Rafael Devers sent the Red Sox home happy with a walk-off hit to deep left center. MLB has informed teams that they'll be handing out 10-day suspensions for foreign substance use. David Peterson turned in a much-needed quality start for the Mets. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aaron Nola was brilliant as the Phillies completed a 3-game sweep on the Yankees. The Phillies offense has been great because of the table-setters atop their lineup. The Blue Jays belted 8 homers in a rout of the Red Sox. Toronto has the most dangerous lineup in the MLB so far this season. Spencer Torkelson and Hunter Greene have been promoted to AA and AAA, respectively. When can we expect to see them in the Majors? All this (and more) on today's episode.
A day after losing to the Dodgers by a score of 12-1, the Rangers returned the favor and beat LA by a score of 12-1. Kolby Allard has settled in nicely for the Rangers this year. Matt Chapman got off to a slow start with the bat, but lately he's joined Matt Olson to form a lethal 1-2 punch in for Oakland. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It was a great night for pitchers. Anthony DeSclafani threw a complete game shutout against the Nats thanks to another home run robbery by Mike Tauchman. Shohei Ohtani, Jacob deGrom, and Clayton Kershaw had great nights at the plate to help their own cause. Elvis Andrus delivered Oakland's MLB-leading 6th walk-off victory of the year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Some teams have needed to begin wheeling and dealing. As injuries mount and division races emerge, more trades will happen. The White Sox are facing another blow with yet another major injury. Nick Madrigal has been placed on the 60-day IL. Can Chicago stay on top of the AL Central without Jimenez, Robert, and Madrigal? All this (and more) on today's episode.
In a back-and-forth contest with several surprises, the Red Sox prevailed and salvaged the final game of their series against the Astros. Mookie flashed all his tools as he led the way for the Dodgers. The Phillies walked off for the second straight night and the Twins joined in on the fun as well. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jake Fraley was the man of the night in the Mariners' victory over the Tigers. Fraley got it done with both his glove and bat as he single-handedly turned the game around. Joc Pederson came to San Diego and stole the Tatis trot. After a rough few days of speculation, Gerrit Cole turned in a strong start to help the Yankees win in Minnesota. All this (and more) on today's episode.
After much controversy surrounding his recent decline in spin rate, Gerrit Cole was directly asked if he's ever used Spider Tack (a sticky substance) while pitching. Cole's answer was a bit unusual. Could Chris Sale be back in time for a playoff push? Mike Trout is working his way back from a calf strain. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jesse Winker hits home runs in bunches. He collected his second hat trick of the season as he belted three home runs as the Reds swept the Cardinals in St. Louis for the first time in 31 years. The Yankees got swept by the Red Sox. The problem seems to be the offense. Besides Aaron Judge, most hitters in their lineup haven't met expectations. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cedric Mullins was a tough out all weekend long. He tormented the Cleveland Indians as he collected hits in 9 straight at-bats and reached base in 11 straight. He even flashed the leather on defense too. Mullins has been great for Baltimore all season. What kind of production can he sustain in the long term?
Shohei Ohtani delivered a strong outing for the Angels as he turned in the first walk-free start of his career. Freddy Peralta flirted with a no hitter on his 25th birthday. Blake Snell finally pitched deep into a game as he was strong through seven innings for the Padres. San Diego will need more of that from him moving forward.
MLB says they will begin cracking down of foreign substance use in earnest. They might be serious this time - we've seen a confiscated hat and even a few minor league suspensions over the past week. With strikeout rates at an all-time high, something fishy is clearly happening. Will this new stance bring forth the much-needed jolt in offense?
The Cubs swept the Padres as they picked up their 9th win in 10 games. Before the season started, we figured the Cubs would be rather mediocre. Where did this strong play come from? Sean Manaea pitched a complete game shutout and a Bichette/Panik combo led to a Blue Jays walk-off victory in Buffalo.
MLB will be celebrating the first annual Lou Gehrig's Day. Gehrig will be honored across the league in memory of his brilliant career and brave battle with ALS. Fernando Tatis Jr and Marcus Semien took home Player of the Month honors for May. The Cardinals will be without Jack Flaherty for some time and the Vlad/Acuna HR chase continues. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets had an eventful win in the desert. deGrom showed his typical dominance and Kevin Pillar returned to the lineup two weeks after suffering a gruesome facial injury. The Astros are getting healthy and the early returns are good. The home run leaderboard is getting crowded. Chris Taylor's bases-clearing double punctuated an epic 14-pitch at-bat. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees probably expected to rack up a few wins over the weekend in Detroit but the Tigers had other ideas. The Tigers swept the Yankees in Detroit for the first time in two decades. The Giants are for real - they took 3 out of 4 in LA. Nobody is hotter than the Rays though, Brett Phillips' birthday blast paved the way for their 15th win in 16 games.
The shortened season in 2020 made us take many results with a grain of salt. With such a small sample size, it was hard to tell if some breakout players were for real or not. We look at the breakout players who have continued their strong play and proven to be legit in 2021.
Robbie Grossman delivered a walk-off home run as the Tigers defeated the Yankees in the series-opening game. Gerrit Cole was great, but Casey Mize was strong as well. The Giants won a thriller in LA. Mike Tauchman forced extra innings by robbing what would've been an Albert Pujols walk-off HR. The Devers cousins faced off for the first time at the MLB level. All this (and more) on today's episode.
They don't call him El Mago for nothing. Javier Baez pulled off perhaps the most magical baserunning feat we've ever seen. Alek Manoah looked sharp in his MLB debut - the Blue Jays expect him to be a future ace. We discuss the results of a few doubleheaders around the league. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yasmani Grandal has put together a perplexing stat-line so far this season. Coming into today with a .136 batting average, an untrained eye would believe he's struggling. Looking closer, Grandal is providing well-above-average offensive value. We discuss how to understand the metrics behind this bizarre situation.
Noah Syndergaard exited his rehab start after just one inning because of elbow discomfort. His velocity plummeted, so this is certainly a concern for the Mets, who had hoped to have him back next month. Rich Hill racked up 13 strikeouts against the Royals, but he was outdueled by Brad Keller as the Royals snapped Tampa Bay's win streak.
The Rays notched their 11th straight win, thanks to a massive rally in extra innings against the Blue Jays. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. blasted two home runs and now finds himself atop the MLB leaderboard. Is the AL East the strongest division in baseball? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays extended their win streak to 10 games and now share a piece of first place. From sweeps to pitcher duels, slugfests, and walkoffs, we saw it all yesterday. All this on today's episode.
After almost 5 years away, Scott Kazmir is back in the big leagues. Kazmir's comeback was complete once he took the mound for the Giants yesterday. He pitched a brief and solid outing. Adolis Garcia continues to haunt the Houston Astros. Garcia delivered 2 more home runs yesterday as the Rangers took another game in the series. Yankees starters have put together an interesting streak this week. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jesse Winker led the way for Cincinnati with his first career 3-homer game. Winker has thrust himself into early MVP consideration, but there's still a long way to go. The Braves scored 20 runs including 7 homers and 2 grand slams against Pittsburgh. Adolis Garcia's legend continues to grow in Texas. The Rangers CF delivered a walk-off 3-run homer to stun the Astros. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays have traded Willy Adames to the Brewers. This makes a clear pathway for Wander Franco, baseball's #1 prospect to begin his MLB career. The Rays say Franco won't be called up just yet, but it's becoming obvious that Franco will be up sooner rather than later.
And we have yet another no-hitter. Corey Kluber joined in on the fun as he delivered the 6th no-hitter of the season. Kluber's bounce-back season has been a welcome surprise to many. Tony La Russa is defending unwritten rules and we can't say we're surprised. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Spencer Turnbull has delivered the 5th no-hitter of the season. Turnbull came from leading MLB in losses in 2019 to etching his name in the record books. This was the Mariners' second time being no-hit in the past 13 days. How many more no-no's will we see this year? Gavin Lux and the Dodgers have gotten into a groove. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Kevin Pillar took a 94.5 mph fastball to his face last night. He was taken to the hospital for CT scans, but it appears to be a broken nose at the very least. Gerrit Cole broke Corbin Burnes' recent record for most consecutive strikeouts between walks. Cole ran his tally up to 61 K's, although the Rangers tagged him for 5 runs to defeat the Yankees. Shohei Ohtani hit his MLB-leading 13th HR. Should we see him in the Home Run Derby? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have placed Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day injured list. This isn't a surprise to most of us as Stanton has constantly battled injuries over the past few years. The Mets placed McNeil and Conforto on the IL as well with hamstring injuries. Noah Syndergaard will be back in action soon - he's starting a rehab assignment at Low-A. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Albert Pujols will stay in Los Angeles. The future Hall of Famer agreed to a deal with the Dodgers for the rest of the season. Pujols will get a real chance to chase his third ring. Vlad Guerrero Jr. hit his 10th homer of the season and continues to show opposite field power. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jarred Kelenic collected his first MLB hit and HR on the same swing. He also added two doubles and flashed his plus speed. Are the Bryce Harper comparisons fair? Gio Urshela's pinch-hit 3-run HR was the game-deciding blow as the Yankees defeated the Orioles. Aaron Judge added two homers of his own. Judge's numbers are excellent, and you just have to live with the strikeouts. The Nationals pounded out 17 runs against the D-backs and Yan Gomes led the way with 5 hits. All this (and more) on today's episode.
On a night where the Mariners welcomed two of their top prospects to the big leagues, Zach Plesac had other ideas. Plesac flirted with a no-hitter through 7+ innings as he and the Indians spoiled Seattle's excitement. It's time to stop sleeping on Trevor Rogers. Rogers has been off to an excellent start for Miami and looks like a front-end starter already. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets are missing a lot of key pieces, but that hasn't stopped them from rattling off a 7 game win streak. They've come around and should be a force if everyone gets healthy. Gerrit Cole surpassed 1,500 career strikeouts. Zack Wheeler has been everything the Phillies hoped for since they signed him. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres will be without a bunch of their key players due to health and safety protocols following positive COVID tests from Tatis and Myers. The A's are preparing to leave Oakland in search of a better ballpark. Gavin Lux's 3-run HR lifted the Dodgers to a much-needed win, as their offense is still trying to bounce back. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mariners are calling up Jarred Kelenic. He'll join the club on Thursday as they open a four-game series with Cleveland. Kelenic is the Mariners' most highly touted prospect in quite some time and they hope he'll be a key fixture to complete their rebuild. Luke Voit is back and the Yankees need him. Jordan Zimmermann has retired. All this on today's episode.
The Giants may be baseball's biggest surprise so far. They're succeeding in large part due to vintage seasons from their veterans - Belt, Crawford, and Posey. The White Sox didn't give up a run for a whole week. What more can we learn from this week's power rankings? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves were down to their last strike in the bottom of the ninth before Pablo Sandoval delivered a pinch hit homer to tie the game. Atlanta would overcome two more deficits in extra innings to win a thriller over the Phillies. Is Pablo Sandoval the most valuable bench piece in the league? Max Scherzer continues to rack up the K's, Francisco Lindor is getting in a groove, and Adolis Garcia saved the Rangers with a game-ending throw. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Wade Miley tossed a no-hitter against the Indians. This one came just days after John Means' no-no earlier in the week. It's the fourth no-hitter we've seen already this season. Are we in for a Year of the Pitcher? To the surprise of many, the A's and Red Sox became the first teams to reach 20 wins.
The Angels have designated Albert Pujols for assignment. He'll most likely be released because a trade is unlikely given his $30 million salary. It's strange to see this happen to one of the greatest players of all time. Shohei Ohtani and Jared Walsh have hit so well that the Angels had little playing time to offer Pujols. All this (and more) on today's episode.
John Means threw a no-hitter which was the first of its kind. The only base-runner allowed reached on a dropped third strike. We've already seen three no-hitters this MLB season. What else is in store? Giancarlo Stanton is punishing baseballs again. He's riding an 11-game hit streak and lifting the Yankees to victories. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With no universal DH, pitchers are hitting in National League ballparks this year. Dylan Cease (3-3, double) and Huascar Ynoa (grand slam) had big nights at the dish. The Astros made their first return to New York with fans in the stands since the cheating scandal. Buster Posey has turned back the clock this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mets have fired their hitting coach and assistant hitting coach. This might be a reaction to some of their big names struggling to begin the year. If so, are they overreacting? Dustin May will undergo Tommy John surgery. After missing an entire year, the Minor Leagues have resumed play. Where are the top prospects playing? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Corey Kluber has been great for the Yankees this year. He turned in a vintage outing against the Tigers. The Mets won a thriller over the Phillies after a Rhys Hoskins 3-run HR was overturned by replay. The Dodgers got 15 RBIs from AJ Pollock and Matt Beaty. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Matt Harvey has won three straight starts for the Orioles. He's not the ace from years ago, but he's relearned how to pitch with less velocity and has been an effective fifth starter. The Brewers walked off the Dodgers and are now 6-0 against LA and San Diego. George Springer is finally in the Blue Jays' lineup and he let it be known with 2 homers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With the first month of the season in the books, we have some surprise division leaders. Will the Giants really stick around the top of the NL East? How did the Royals begin to click all of a sudden? It's still early though. The season is a marathon, not a sprint.
So far this season, the White Sox have somehow found a replacement for the injured Eloy Jimenez. It's Yermin Mercedes, who also leads MLB in hits and batting average. Masterful pitching from Rodon and Cease led Chicago to a doubleheader sweep. Yusei Kikuchi flirted with a no-hitter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bryce Harper took a 97 mph fastball to the face. He walked off the field under his own power and shared a positive update after the game. Harper has been outstanding this season and the Phillies need him healthy. Wander Franco wil begin the minor league season in AAA. Willy Adames has struggled offensively, so there's some added pressure on him now. deGrom tossed a gem but lost - again. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Vlad Jr. left the yard 3 times against the Nationals. That's something his Hall-of-Fame father never did. Gary Sanchez will see reduced playing time from now on. The Yankees got a strong start from Corey Kluber, who looks to be getting more comfortable.
It's been 3 years since we saw him in the big leagues making his first appearances due to Tommy John surgery and a 2020 season opt-out, but Michael Kopech has finally arrived. His stuff looks even better than it did before and he is a real weapon for the White Sox. Jesse Winker has quietly put up strong numbers his whole career. Winker leads the NL in batting average and continues to deliver in big spots. Is he the most underappreciated player in baseball? All this on today's episode.
The Orioles snapped the A's win streak at 13 as John Means turned in yet another brilliant outing. Means is a legitimate ace and leads the American League with a 1.50 ERA. Madison Bumgarner allowed no hits in a 7-inning complete game, but it won't count as a no-hitter. Is that fair? Ohtani continues to rake. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Kent Emanuel pitched 8.2 strong innings for the Astros - in relief! Emanuel was called upon to make his MLB debut when Jake Odorizzi exited the game after just one batter. He did not disappoint. Fernando Tatis launched two more bombs, but the Dodgers rallied back to avoid their 3rd straight loss. The A's extended their win streak to 13 games. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jacob deGrom was getting "M-V-P" chants at Citi Field as he did it all in the Mets victory over the Nationals. J.A. Happ carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning for Minnesota. Tatis and Stanton both launched 2-homer attacks - will that be the spark they each need to get on a roll? All this (and more) on today's episode.
David Peralta led the way for the D-Backs in a slugfest with the Reds. The Twins are calling up Alex Kiriloff and Nick Gordon (a former guest on this show)! Ryan Weathers made a statement with 5+ innings of one-hit ball as the Padres defeated the Dodgers. All this on today's episode.
After it seemed like a certainty that they'd lose, Oakland squeaked out a victory to keep their streak alive. Offense was the theme in yesterday's game, and the usual suspects were at it for both the Twins and A's. Could this be Freddie Freeman's last year as a Brave? All this on today's episode.
Corbin Burnes has been the best pitcher in the National League so far. Burnes carries a 0.37 ERA an MLB-record 40:0 strikeout-to-walk ratio through his first 4 starts. The A's swept a doubleheader en route to their 10th straight win. Pitching has led the way for Oakland during this streak. Ohtani shook off some rust in his return to the mound. All this on today's episode.
There have been some notable developments early in the season. The Red Sox offense is rejuvenated - they lead the Majors in OPS. The Padres offseason moves are paying off as they lead the Majors in ERA. Bryce Harper is quietly putting up strong numbers... again. The best 1-2 punch in baseball is Mitch Haniger and Ty France? All this (and more) on today's episode.
After stumbling out of the gate to begin the season, the A's have ripped off 8 straight wins. Chapman and Olson are both hitting well and the starting pitchers have figured it out. The Yankees have lost 5 in a row, but it's too early to hit the panic button. Shane Bieber can't be stopped. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Steven Matz has been a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jays this season. Although he was acquired to be a back of the rotation piece, Matz has looked like a front-line starter early in the year. Tyler Glasnow and the Rays continue to torment the Yankees. Jacob deGrom tied his career high with 14 strikeouts against the Rockies. All this (and more) on today's episode.
In what was the best game of the young season thus far, we saw a playoff-like battle between the Dodgers and Padres. Tatis returned with a big home run, benches cleared after a hit-by-pitch, and both teams exchanged clutch hits. LA won the series-opening thriller in 12 innings. The Dodgers showed that their roster depth can't be matched right now.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is off to a hot start this year. He could be on the verge of the breakout we've been waiting for. Don't be surprised though - he's always been this talented. The Padres might activate Fernando Tatis off the injured list as early as today. Fortunately for them, it's a quick turnaround considering the initial scare with this injury.
Carlos Rodon flirted with perfection for 8+, but he was still able to etch his name in the history books with the 20th no-hitter in White Sox history. Rodon is the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter within two years of Tommy John Surgery. There will be more experiments with rule changes in the Atlantic League this season. Will we see them in the MLB soon? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shane Bieber and Lucas Giolito faced off in a pitcher's duel that was as advertised. They tossed nine and seven shutout innings, respectively. The Cubs and Brewers will probably be feuding all season long. Tempers flared in Milwaukee as Willson Contreras was plunked by a Brewers pitcher yet again. Trevor Bauer was sharp in his home debut and the Red Sox won their 7th straight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Don't look now, but the Angels are atop the AL West for the first time since 2018. Shohei Ohtani continues to tear the cover off the ball and Mike Trout is casually doing Mike Trout things. Byron Buxton's breakout is here. All this (and more) on today's episode.
JD Martinez smacked 3 home runs en route to the Red Sox sixth consecutive victory. The is the third different team that Martinez has clubbed a hat trick with. The Phillies defeated the Braves after Alec Bohm was ruled safe on a controversial call at the plate. Vintage Kershaw led the Dodgers to victory over the Nationals in a duel with Max Scherzer.
The Padres offense is rolling. Trent Grisham, Hae-Seong Kim, and Jake Cronenworth led the way in their victory over the Rangers. The Yankees continue to shuffle their pitching staff around - they optioned Domino German down to the alternate site. The Braves and Red Sox have put together nice win streaks since stumbling out of the gate. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Joe Musgrove has thrown the first no-hitter in Padres franchise's history. It's only fitting that Musgrove, a local product, was the one to the franchise drought. This is no fluke performance either - he's been stellar on the mound since last year and his advanced metrics look solid as well.
Mike Trout is doing his thing, as he homered for the third consecutive game to continue his strong start to the season. Lance Lynn put the White Sox on his back in their home opener. Lynn tossed a complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts against the Royals. Did Trevor Bauer already get caught cheating? MLB is investigating suspicious baseballs from his last start? All this (and more) on today's episode.
As the early favorite for Comeback Player of the Year, Trey Mancini made his home debut today. He received a warm welcome back from the Orioles fans in attendance after missing last season due to stage 3 colon cancer. In the same game, Eduardo Rodriguez picked up the win for Boston in his first appearance since 2019. James Paxton might need Tommy John. Akil Baddoo is doing big things. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres may have dodged a bullet. Fernando Tatis Jr. will not need surgery as of now and he will address his shoulder injury through rest and rehab. They won't be able to replace him, but the Padres have solid middle infield depth. Clayton Kershaw turned in a vintage outing in Oakland. George Springer and Eduardo Rodriguez are primed to make their season debuts tomorrow. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jacob deGrom turned in 6 shutout innings in his season debut, but his efforts were thwarted by the Mets bullpen - a script we've seen far too often. Dustin May earned the Dodgers' 5th rotation spot, but he looks like another ace back there. Fernando Tatis' injury history must be causing some concern in San Diego. Coors Field will host the 2021 All-Star Game after MLB pulled it out of Atlanta. ALl this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani showed off his rare two-way skills by blasting a moonshot home run (115 mph exit velo & 451 feet) and pitching with high octane velocity (101 mph). The Astros made a statement by sweeping the A's to begin their season 4-0. Houston's lineup is clicking on all cylinders. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yermin Mercedes became the first player in the modern era to collect a hit in 8 straight at-bats to begin a season. Jose Berrios and Corbin Burnes were locked in a pitcher's duel. Why do the Reds and Cardinals hate each other so much? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Taking the mound in his Dodgers debut, Trevor Bauer flirted with a no-hitter across 6.2 innings with 10 strikeouts before he ran out of steam. Jazz Chisholm flashed his tools for the Marlins. He's their starting 2B this season so we'll get a good look at what made him a highly touted prospect. Blake Snell looked sharp for the Padres. All this (and more) on today's episode.
David Fletcher is locked in as the Angels' primary second baseman now. He has agreed to a 5 year extension worth $26 million. In many ways, Fletcher is a prototypical second baseman. The Nats continue to find positive COVID tests, so their weekend series is postponed. MLB has pulled the All Star Game out of Atlanta after a recent Georgia voting law was passed.
The Nationals get to play in front of their fans for the first time since being crowned champs in 2019. Darvish makes his first start in Padres brown. Which matchups are you looking forward to as we kick off the 2021 season?
The Mets have their shortstop of both the present and the future. Negotiations came down to the wire, but Francisco Lindor agreed to a 10 year, $341 million extension. Lindor will become the highest paid shortstop in baseball history. The Nationals will be down by 5 players on Opening Day due to health and safety protocols.
We're approaching the deadline for the Mets and Francisco Lindor to reach an extension. Some believe the Mets' offer is their best and final. Will Linor accept it? Andrew Vaughn will be in the MLB to start the year for the White Sox. Rougned Odor has been designated for assignment. Once seen as the Rangers' future at 2B, Odor's high strikeout rate and low on-base skills have made him worth very little.
Randy Dobnak was Uber driving to supplement his income from independent league ball just a few years ago. He's now agreed to a five-year extension with the Twins that will secure him for life. Sixto Sanchez will begin the season at the Marlins' alternate site. Will Lindor accept the Mets' latest offer?
Mark Appel, the #1 overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, is preparing to make a comeback attempt with the Phillies. Appel is considered one of the biggest busts in baseball history and actually stepped away from the game 3 years ago. What motivated him to return? All this on today's episode.
MLB has said it will crack down on the use of foreign substances on baseballs. Doctoring the baseball is a technique as old as the game itself. We've seen many pitchers get caught using substances like pine tar before. MLB will monitor spin rate data and install compliance officers at each stadium to ensure that these rules are strictly enforced. The idea is to maintain greater offensive output and create more balls in play.
Gio Gonzalez has hung up his spikes after a stellar 13-year MLB career. He was often underrated, but the lefty was an innings-eater who brought tremendous value to several organizations. Eloy Jimenez is out for 5-6 months with a torn pectoral tendon. How will the White Sox replace his bat? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Lance McCullers Jr. has agreed to a 5-year, $85 million extension with the Astros. It'll kick in next season and tie McCullers to Houston through 2026. The Yankees have carried an abundance of outfielders over the past few years. They're receiving offers for Mike Tauchman, but will they bite? Ke'Bryan Hayes turned down the Pirates' extension offer. He's set to play his first full year in the MLB.
As we enter the final stretch of Spring Training, teams are putting the finishing touches on their rosters. Julio Teheran made the Tigers rotation after a strong Spring. Harrison Bader will be out at least 4 weeks, so which Cardinals outfielder will replace him? The Astros are in deep talks with Lance McCullers Jr. regarding an extension.
After 4 surgeries and 3.5 years since his last professional appearance, Brent Honeywell returned to the mound. It was just a Spring Training outing, but he'll take it. A former top-15 prospect, Honeywell is making his way back from a serious string of injuries that stalled his career. He and the Rays hope for him to make his MLB debut later this season.
The Royals have signed Salvador Perez to a four-year $82 million extension. Great hitters like Salvy don't come around too often at the catcher position. He's also a fan favorite and clubhouse leader, so this move was a no-brainer for Kansas City. Jo Adell and Bobby Witt Jr. will open the season in the minors to get some more seasoning.
No player likes being labeled as "injury prone", but it's the reality for some. There are players who just can't seem to stay off the injured list. Although they are highly effective when available, their teams could use their help more often. We discuss key players who need to have a healthy season.
The top of the MLB Draft's first round will feature two Vanderbilt teammates. Starting pitchers Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter have formed a lethal 1-2 punch for the Commodores. Rocker, the favorite to go #1 overall has been high on MLB radars for a few years. Leiter, the son of former Yankee lefty Al, tossed a no-hitter today and continues to see his draft stock rise.
Carlos Carrasco will be out for 6-8 weeks after tearing his right hamstring. The back of the Mets rotation will need some help at the beginning of the year. Indians owner Paul Dolan answered questions about the team, including plans for a new name, trading Lindor, and Terry Francona's job. All this on today's episode.
Noah Syndergaard is throwing 96 mph off the mound in his bullpen sessions. He likely won't be ready for Opening Day though. The Mets aim to get him back in the early summer. Some "forgotten" pitchers like Julio Teheran, Felix Hernandez, and Nick Pivetta might make their team's major league rosters.
The White Sox are looking into contract extensions for Lucas Giolito and Andrew Vaughn. Giolito is their ace and i's in their best interest to extend him sooner rather than later because another strong season will make his price tag jump. Vaughn hasn't yet played in the Majors, but the White Sox are no strangers to locking in deals for top prospects - as they did for Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert over the past two years.
Ryan Braun visited Brewers camp yesterday. He didn't suit up, as he remains unsigned and uninterested in playing at this time. Braun said he is strongly leaning towards retirement. The Reds need help at shortstop, so they might use Eugenio Suarez there. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Maikel Franco will suit up for the Baltimore Orioles. Franco agreed to a deal with the O's after choosing them over the Mets and Braves. Jordan Hicks made his first appearance in 2 years and it was quite a battle. Luis Guillorme worked a 22-pitch walk against him. Clayton Kershaw is set to make his 9th Opening Day start for the Dodgers - a franchise record.
The Braves anticipate that Mike Soroka will rejoin the rotation sometime next month. That will be a major boost to an already stacked squad seeking another deep playoff run. Billy Hamilton was released by the Indians, but expect to see him on an MLB roster soon. Hamilton's speed will offer enough value for somebody.
The Indians have a big void to fill at SS now that Francisco Lindor is a Met. It seems they will call on Andres Gimenez - a standout defender in his own right. There are plenty of innings up for grabs in Pittsburgh, so they signed Trevor Cahill to a one year deal.
Nick Markakis has announced his retirement. The often underrated right fielder played 15 seasons between Baltimore and Atlanta. Markakis was a model of consistency and durability. An on-base machine, elite defender, and professional hitter, we tip our hat to Nick and congratulate him on an excellent career.
Major League Baseball will be experimenting with a lot of new rules down in the Minor Leagues this year. Larger bases, no shifts, pickoff limits, and more. The goal is to inject more action on the basepaths, improve pace of play, and increase balls in play. Which of these rules do we want to see up in the Majors soon?
Mickey Moniak got a brief taste of MLB action last year, but the baseball world still hasn't really seen who he is. Drafted #1 overall in 2016, Moniak is the Phillies hopeful centerfielder of the future. His game has developed and his body has transformed in the 5 years since, so what does his MLB future look like?
Byron Buxton has major tools and everybody knows it. The main knock on him is the fact that he's injury-prone. When on the field, Buxton has shown continued improvement with his power metrics in recent years while continuing to play elite defense and rank at the top of speed charts. Will the Twins extend him before he becomes a free agent in two years?
The Nationals are planning to offer contract extensions to Juan Soto and Trea Turner. Neither player will come cheap, but it's a wise idea for the franchise to secure their young position player talent. What kind of money might be necessary?
When you're coming off a Cy Young season and fresh contract, you can make yourself feel quite comfortable at Spring Training. That's what Trevor Bauer has been doing as he experiments with different techniques. Bauer pitched with one eye closed during part of his three-inning outing. Forrest Whitley might need Tommy John. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jake Odorizzi has finally found a team. He'll join the Astros on a two-year deal with a player option for 2023. Odorizzi can be an innings eater for Houston, and they'll really need it since Framber Valdez might be out for the year.
Eduardo Rodriguez took the mound in a game setting for the first time in 359 days. After a breakout 2019 season, Rodriguez was poised to make an Opening Day start for Boston in 2020. Will he get that honor this year? Lorenzo Cain will still be the Brewers' center fielder. Luis Severino should help the Yankees tremendously when he returns this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jackie Bradley Jr. will be taking his talents to Milwaukee. He's the last big domino to finally fall as he secured a 2-year, $24 million deal with the Brewers. The Brewers already have a strong outfield, including another strong center fielder in Lorenzo Cain, so it's not quite clear exactly how they'll juggle the pieces. However, it is a good problem for them to have.
It's always exciting to catch a glimpse of the future as top young prospects take the center in the early days of Spring Training. We take a look at how the game's best prospects like Wander Franco, Jarred Kelenic, Adley Rustchman, etc. have fared in the early going.
Yoenis Cespedes hosted a showcase in front of eleven MLB teams. Cespedes could be a low-cost flyer for a team that doesn't have much to lose. Jarrod Dyson has signed with the Royals, the franchise he broke into the league with and made a name for himself after overcoming all odds as a 50th round pick. Dyson was a key part of the Royals' championship squad in 2015.
Tommy Pham had a tumultuous 2020. From missing several games due to COVID, to undergoing different surgeries for a broken hamate bone and a wrist injury, Pham's lackluster performance on the field could be attributed to an unfortunate stretch of injuries. Additionally, Pham was also involved in an offseason incident where he was stabbed. Doctors said his extra muscle may have saved his life. Looking ahead to 2021, Pham is glad to be in camp and looks to have a strong contract year for the Padres.
Hunter Dozier has agreed to a 4-year, $25 million extension with the Royals. Dozier has shown loud tools and great results in the past and the Royals hope he can turn in strong numbers moving forward. Kansas City won't be competing for a division title this year but they've put together a strong core which they can add to in coming years.
Albert Pujols is entering the last year of his 10 year, $240 million contract with the Angels. He says he hasn't made a retirement decision yet, but we have to wonder when that announcement will come. What value can Pujols still provide at this stage in his career?
Brian Snitker has been with the Braves organization for 4 decades. He'll stick around even longer as he just agreed to an extension to manage the Braves through 2023. Kelvin Herrera has announced his retirement. Herrera was a key piece of the Royals' championship squad which had baseball's best bullpen for a brief stretch.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr has slimmed down. He's the talk of Blue Jays camp as everyone has noticed the stark contrast in his physique compared to the way he arrived at summer camp last year. The Phillies have checked in on Jake Odorizzi - he'd slot in nicely as their 4th starter. Is Jackie Bradley Jr. truly enough to turn a contender into a champion? All this on today's episode.
Scott Kazmir is still pitching. He's signed a minor league deal with the Giants as he attempts to make another comeback. Kazmir hasn't seen MLB action since 2016, but he's reportedly been up to 92-93 mph in bullpen sessions, which is around the velocity he had at his peak. Royce Lewis, the Twins' #1 prospect, has suffered a torn ACL. Lewis will likely miss all of 2021.
Yoenis Cespedes is eyeing a comeback. Cespedes played just a handful of games for the Mets before opting out last season. We haven't seen him healthy in a few years now, but a team might be willing to roll the dice after his upcoming showcase on March 2. Following heavy backlash after his recent comments, Kevin Mather has resigned as Mariners CEO. Shin-Soo Choo is heading to Korea. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mariners CEO Kevin Mather joined the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club for a video chat where he revealed several details about the state of the franchise and their business strategies. Some of Mather's comments have sparked controversy. He admitted to service time manipulation last year and complained about Julio Rodriguez and Hisashi Iwakuma's English proficiency. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ian Desmond has opted out of the 2021 season. After sitting out of last season, Desmond will stay away yet again as he's expressed a lack of desire for playing baseball under these circumstances. We saw over twenty players opt out of last season. How many more will follow in the coming weeks?
Nolan Arenado was dealt to St. Louis, Tony La Russa (76 years old) was hired to manage a bunch of White Sox young stars, San Diego became a juggernaut, the Red Sox and Yankees made a trade, and much more. We discuss the biggest surprises that happened this offseason.
Taijuan Walker has agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets. Walker is entering his age 28 season and is a solid pitcher when healthy. However, he hasn't pitched a full season since 2017 so he does have something to prove. Brett Gardner is back in pinstripes on a one-year, $4 million deal.
Fernando Tatis is an elite player in today's game. Now he'll be paid like one. Tatis and the Padres have agreed to a 14-year extension worth $340 million. The deal comes with a full no-trade clause. This is a record deal for a pre-arbibration player and the third largest deal (in terms of new total money) in MLB history.
Cody Allen has called it a career. The righty reliever received interest from teams earlier this offseason, but he instead decided to hang up his spikes. Allen is largely known for his strong stretch with the Cleveland Indians, and was a huge part of their World Series run. Tim Tebow has also said farewell to baseball, ending his professional career with the Mets. Tebow's final line is .223/.299/.338 with 18 HRs in 1,048 minor league plate appearances.
The Mets have grabbed more depth for their outfield by signing Kevin Pillar to a one-year, $5 million deal. Pillar will probably place above Albert Almora on the depth chart, but the Mets still haven't grabbed anyone's attention with their outfield acquisitions. Edwin Encarnacion is hoping for another shot with a team as his career might be nearing its end.
The Minor Leagues have been revamped in an effort to modernize MLB's player development structure. Several changes have been made including league sizes, pay, and travel schedules. Most Triple A teams will now be closer to their MLB clubs, travel will be reduced, and salaries are increasing. We discuss all the major changes on today's episode.
The Dodgers are bringing back their guy. Justin Turner has agreed to head back to LA on a 2-year, $34 million deal. Turner is a fan favorite and should slot right back into the heart of their lineup as the Dodgers aim for a repeat title. James Paxton signed a 1-year, $8.5 million deal with the Mariners as he tries to prove his health.
Pretty much every player slows down and becomes less effective as they age past their prime. We take a look at three older pitchers (Jake Arrieta, Rich Hill, and Mark Melancon) who just signed to see if they still have what it takes to perform in 2021.
After being one of the game's prolific sluggers in 2020, Adam Duvall was still let go by the Braves because of a crowded outfield. He's heading south to Miami and will bring power to their lineup. After a bounce-back season with the Dodgers, Jake McGee secured a two-year deal with the Giants. Marwin Gonzalez joined the Red Sox.
The Red Sox have traded Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals in part of a three-team swap. The Mets are the other team involved in the deal. Boston will receive Franchy Cordero, Josh Winckowski, and 3 players to be named later. The Mets will receive Khalil Lee. Yet another piece of the Red Sox 2018 championship roster is gone. What's next for Boston?
When will Wander Franco and Adley Rutschman make their debuts? Neither has played past high-A, but as the top two prospects in baseball, they will be a big part of their teams' plans moving forward. Which JD Martinez will we see this year? Can Judge and Stanton finally stay healthy? We take a look at the biggest questions in the AL East this year.
Yadier Molina is back with the Cardinals on a 1-year, $9 million deal. It was hard to imagine Yadi playing anywhere else. He's the face of the franchise and still their best option at catcher. There will be no universal DH in 2021, but we'll still have 7-inning doubleheaders and a runner on 2nd base to begin extra innings.
It wasn't a flashy move by any means, but the Mets may have found their center fielder by signing Albert Almora Jr. Almora is a strong defender but weak hitter, so New York might still seek additional help. Pedro Gomez, the ESPN reporter who was so beloved in the baseball community, passed away unexpectedly. Jackie Bradley Jr. is the top remaining center fielder on the market. What will be his final price?
The A's and Rangers have a deal that will send Elvis Andrus to Oakland in exchange for Khris Davis as part of a 5-player deal. This trade puts an end to Elvis Andrus' 12 year tenure in Texas which saw him climb near the top of several franchise leaderboards. With Dahl and Gallo already at the corner OF slots, Khris Davis should compete for at-bats as the Rangers' DH.
Marcell Ozuna is returning to Atlanta on a 4-year, $64 million deal. Ozuna is a premier bat but it will be interesting to see how he takes to playing the outfield if the DH is not present in the National League this year. Atlanta is paying him to anchor the middle of their lineup, and he forms an elite tandem with the reigning MVP, Freddie Freeman.
Trevor Bauer has agreed to sign with the LA Dodgers. Bauer lands a 3-year, $102 million contract. The deal is front-loaded as it will pay him $40 million in 2021 and $45 million in 2022. Bauer also has the ability to opt out after each of the first two years, so we could see him back on the open market very soon if he pitches well. This move makes the Dodgers the clear-cut favorites once again.
Trevor Bauer's free agency decision is reportedly down to 2 teams - the Mets and Dodgers. Will it be the east or west coast for the reigning Cy Young? We consider the pros and cons of each option.
Nelson Cruz is going back to the Twins on a 1-year deal worth $13 million. Even at the age of 40, Cruz is one of the best bats in the game. When will he slow down? Kolten Wong is heading to the Brewers on a 2-year, $18 million deal. Wong, a Gold Glove winner, will push Keston Hiura off 2B in Milwaukee.
Sean Doolittle is heading to the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year deal. The former Nationals closer will look to bounce back after a rough 2020. The Rockies received 5 prospects in the Arenado trade. MLB has said the 2020 season will begin on time.
Dustin Pedroia has hung up his cleats. Pedroia closes the book on a legendary Red Sox career that saw him collect 3 World Series rings, an MVP, 4 Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger. Pedroia missed most of the last 2 years due to a knee injury. It's easy to imagine what his final numbers could've looked like if he stayed healthy. Pedroia defied many odds due to his size and was one of the best 2B of his generation.
After dealing Yu Darvish earlier in the winter, the Cubs don't have a very strong pitching staff. They just added Trevor Williams who will look to bounce back this year. It seems like they'll hang onto Bryant/Rizzo/Baez for now, but it will likely be a middling year for the North Siders. The White Sox, on the other hand, have a great rotation. They also just brought back Carlos Rodon on a one-year deal to compete for a bullpen or 5th starter spot.
The Cardinals and Rockies have agreed to a swap with Nolan Arenado. Arenado will head to St. Louis in a complex deal, but at the end of the day he's leaving a Rockies franchise that he had grown frustrated with. Colorado won't be contending this year, so will they be trading Trevor Story as well? Didi Gregorius re-signed with the Phillies.
After letting Kyle Schwarber walk earlier in the winter the Cubs have replaced him with a similar player - Joc Pederson (one-year, $7 million). Pederson crushes righties but has been a liability against lefties. He has 30+ home run power and is a defensive upgrade from Schwarber. Adam Wainwright is heading back to St. Louis on a one-year, $8 million deal. Wainwright is the face of the Cardinals franchise. He's old, but still highly effective.
The Blue Jays continued their aggressive offseason by trading for Steven Matz. They'll send a trio of prospect pitchers to the Mets, headlined by Sean Reid-Foley. Masahiro Tanaka has agreed to a two-year deal with the Rakuten Eagles - his former team in Japan. We haven't heard much about Trevor Bauer lately, but the Mets have made him an offer.
The Phillies have agreed to a deal to bring back JT Realmuto. Realmuto's 5-year, $115.5 million deal will keep him in Philadelphia for the rest of his prime. Marcus Semien is heading up to Toronto on a 1-year, $18 million deal. He'll play second base and Cavan Biggio will move to third base.
In a rare trade between rivals, the Yankees sent Adam Ottavino to the Red Sox in exchange for cash or a player to be named later. This is a salary dump for the Yankees as they seek to stay under the luxury tax threshold. Will there be a universal DH in 2021?
The Nationals continue to use the free agent market to fill gaps in their roster. They just signed Brad Hand to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. After having the eight worst bullpen ERA in the Majors last year, Washington is getting a huge boost here. J.A. Happ will pitch for the Twins this year as their likely 4th starter. Where will Nelson Cruz end up? All this on today's episode.
The Hot Stove is on a rolling boil. Jameson Taillon is heading to the Yankees in trade - Pittsburgh will receive four prospects. The Red Sox added depth to their squad by signing Garrett Richards and Enrique Hernandez. Mr. National is returning to the only place he's ever known. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Hank Aaron passed away at the age of 86. Aaron was an American hero and currently sits in second place on the all-time home run leader-board. To many, Hank Aaron is the GOAT. We take a look at what made Hammerin' Hank so special.
One thing that sets baseball apart from other sports is the sheer number of games played in a season. Teams often play a game every night for a week or more. Throw in the wrinkle of travel for away games, and you get a grueling schedule. Due to their stadium being occupied for a convention, a young Astros club became road warriors for 4 weeks. We discuss the Astros' 26-game road trip in 1992.
In a whirlwind of a day, Michael Brantley's name was being tossed around free agent headlines. It was initially reported that he agreed to a deal with Toronto, but then the Blue Jays refuted it. The dust settled and Brantley will head back to the Astros on a 2-year, $32 million contract. Brantley is the definition of a professional hitter and will occupy left field in Houston once again.
The Blue Jays have gotten their guy. George Springer will head north on a 6-year, $150 million deal with the blossoming squad of young players. The top position player on the market, Springer brings an elite blend of power and speed to Toronto. Don Sutton passed away at the age of 75. The Hall of Fame pitcher spent 16 years with the Dodgers.
Jon Lester has agreed to a 1-year, $5 million deal with the Nationals. Don't expect vintage numbers from Lester, so he'll slot in as the 4th starter behind Scherzer, Strasburg, and Corbin. George Springer has $100+ million offers from both the Blue Jays and Mets. His decision could be coming this week.
The Padres continue to build a juggernaut squad. They have landed Joe Musgrove in a 3-team deal with the Mets and Pirates. Musgrove's underlying metrics (strikeout rate and exit velocity) are elite, which makes him a strong breakout candidate for 2021.
The Red Sox have brought back Martin Perez on a 1-year deal worth $5 million. It's not a major signing in the grand scheme of things, but Perez was their most reliable starter in 2020. Boston still has a lot of work to do in bolstering their rotation. Didi Gregorious and JT Realmuto might just head back to Philadelphia. Are the Reds shopping Luis Castillo?
DJ LeMahieu is returning to the Yankees on a 6-year, $90 million deal. The best hitter in the American League could very well remain in pinstripes for the remainder of his career. The Yankees also signed Corey Kluber to a 1-year, $11 million deal. Kluber is a lottery ticket who everyone just hopes can stay healthy. The Phillies have made a decent first offer to JT Realmuto at this stage, but his market is still fluid.
Today marks the beginning of the international signing period. MLB teams will be trying to sign the next Tatis, Soto, or Acuna. We break down what the international signing period is and compare it to the MLB draft in terms of talent pool and player compensation.
Yadier Molina has said he would consider retirement if the right deal does not come along. Yadi wants to return to the Cardinals, but is the feeling mutual? Archie Bradley is heading to the Phillies to deliver much-needed bullpen help. The Mets signed Jose Martinez as a platoon piece.
The Red Sox are reportedly shopping Andrew Benintendi. What happened to baseball's former #1 prospect? Corey Kluber held a workout for scouts where he sat 88-90 mph with his fastball. He'll be a lottery ticket for whoever signs him.
Baseball's best reliever is off the market. Liam Hendriks has agreed to a 3-year, $54 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox have their eyes set on the World Series as they continue to add reinforcements to their roster. Hendriks joins Lance Lynn and Adam Eaton as major White Sox additions this offseason.
In this day and age, players move around a lot. It's not common for someone to stick with one team for their entire career like Derek Jeter or Joe Mauer. Who is the longest tenured player on each team?
Connie Mack was the A's manager for 50 years. No other manager comes close to his record for the longest stint with one team, but who are the others on the list? Where do managers like Bobby Cox, Tommy Lasorda, and Mike Scioscia rank?
Kyle Schwarber is heading to DC. The Nats had a void in their outfield after choosing to move on from Adam Easton. Schwarber will slot in as a middle-of-the-order bat at a corner outfield spot. Will we be seeing Juan Soto in right field? Schwarber belted a career high 38 home runs in 2019 and he'll look to regain that form.
After not getting the type of deal he was looking for by Thursday's deadline, Tomoyuki Sugano is returning to Japan for the 2021 season. He has a 4-year deal with the Yomiuri Giants with an opt out each year, so he could be back trying to find a better MLB deal again next year. What's next for the Mets in their aggressive offseason?
The Mets have traded for Francisco Lindor. In a blockbuster deal, the Indians are sending Lindor and Carrasco to New York in exchange for Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, Josh Wolf, and Isaiah Greene. One of the best players in the game, Lindor is in his prime and will anchor the Mets infield in his contract year. The Mets are not messing around.
The Dodgers are bringing back Blake Treinen on a two-year, $17.5 million deal. Treinen is a strong reliever who will anchor the back of LA's bullpen. After not signing a free agent to a multi-year deal for half a decade, the Tigers signed Robbie Grossman to a two-year, $10 million contract. Grossman will provide offensive help with his good on-base skills.
Several teams are interested in Yasiel Puig. Puig didn't play in 2020, but he carries a resume of above-average performance and just turned 30 years old. For teams looking for cheap options to improve their outfield, he fits the bill. The Giants signed Curt Casali to a one-year deal to be their backup catcher. This means Joey Bart will likely get more seasoning in the minors, but his time to replace Buster Posey is near.
Phil Hughes has officially called it a career. Although he hadn't pitched since 2018, Hughes made the official announcement which closed the book on his 12-year career between the Yankees and Twins. Hughes was a 1x All-Star and World Series champion. The next item on the Padres' list: extend Fernando Tatis Jr. All this on today's episode.
Veteran lefty Ross Detwiler has agreed to terms with the Miami Marlins. The Marlins need left specialists to face the big-name left-handed hitters in their division like Freddie Freeman and Bryce Harper. The Dodgers are looking at DJ LeMahieu. Will the rich get richer?
Velocity is abundant these days. Rosters are littered with hard-throwing pitchers and hitters have adjusted. What were the 5 fastest pitches hit for a home run in 2020?
Masahiro Tanaka has come to the conclusion of the 7-year, $155 million deal he signed with the Yankees. It's not often that a Yankee flies under the radar, but Tanaka was a steady force in that rotation for the better part of the last decade. If he doesn't re-sign with New York, he would consider returning to Japan. Is a Boston reunion in the cards for Jackie Bradley Jr?
Trevor Bauer and George Springer are the best pitcher and hitter on the free agent market, respectively. Rumors have been thrown around regarding their slowly developing markets. Some believe Bauer is looking for $35-40 million per year. He's not worth that. Springer supposedly already has offers north of $100 million. What will it take to sign these players?
The Phillies had a historically bad bullpen in 2019. They had the worst bullpen ERA the MLB has seen in 90 years. Jose Alvarado is a left-handed reliever with a strong fastball, cutter, and slider. He's heading to Philadelphia in a three-team deal between the Phillies, Rays, and Dodgers. After not playing in 2020, Ervin Santana has signed a minor league deal with the Royals.
San Diego has suddenly become the center of baseball's spotlight. The Padres have now traded Yu Darvish. Darvish finished second in this year's NL Cy Young voting and is one of the game's best pitchers. The Cubs received Zach Davies and 4 middling prospects. Expect the Cubs to have a massive sell-off as they try to cut costs.
The Padres are here to stay. Blake Snell is heading to San Diego in a blockbuster deal between the Padres and Rays. Going back to Tampa Bay is an elite prospect package including Luis Patino, Francisco Mejia, Blake Hunt, and Cole Wilcox. Snell comes with 3 years of control, which opens up a wide window of contention for the Padres. The Rays stick to their script of developing long term, cost-controlled assets.
Who hit the longest home run in 2020? The hardest-hit ball? What about the fastest throw or the least-likely hit? We take a look at the most memorable plays of the past season.
The Rangers have added another pitcher. They've signed Kohei Arihara out of Japan for a two-year $6.2 million deal. Is Arihara any good and can he be a reliable starter? With a low-90s fastball and standard three-pitch mix (fastball, curveball, changeup), it's fair to wonder if Arihara's stuff can make a real impact at the MLB level.
Tommy Kahnle will likely miss 2021, but he'll suit up in a Dodgers uniform in 2022, thanks to his new two-year deal. Aaron Brooks found success in Korea this past season, so he re-signed for another year. Daniel Mengden, his former teammate from the A's, is now also heading to Korea on a one-year deal. Is this a new trend for pitchers who need to recapture some of their value?
The Nats have traded for Josh Bell. As a traditional first baseman and middle-of-the-order bat, Josh Bell is exactly what Washington needs. In exchange, the Pirates are receiving RHPs Will Crowe and Eddy Yean - two top prospects who could make their way to the MLB soon.
Sam Fuld made a name for himself as one of the more likeable players in the league over his eight MLB seasons. His next chapter will be as the General Manager of the Phillies. Fuld is being promoted after 3 years in the Phillies front office. Yoelqui Cespedes (the younger brother of Yoenis) has signed with the White Sox. Cespedes is the #1 international free agent and gives the White Sox another potential Cuban star.
After 15 years in the big leagues, Howie Kendrick has decided to hang up his cleats. Kendrick goes down as one of the most professional hitters of the generation and he has two of the biggest home runs in Nationals history. Yu Darvish's name has appeared in trade rumors, but it wouldn't make much sense for the Cubs to trade him now because they don't seem to be going for a full rebuild.
Ryan Zimmerman intends to play in 2021. He opted out of the 2020 season, making it the first ever season in Nationals history that he wasn't on the roster. Zimmerman is the face of the franchise, so it's hard to envision him playing elsewhere. Luis Castillo is an impact arm who might be available. Word on the street is that the Reds are shopping him.
We know who most of the game's Hall of Famers are. There are several players who have elite numbers but missed the cut for one reason or another. Let's take a moment to recognize them. Who is the best Non-Hall of Famer at each position?
Michael Wacha is coming off a forgettable year with the Mets. However, he's still been one of the more popular names on the market due to his age. Wacha has agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the Rays. The Rays are known for getting the most out of their players, so could Wacha be in line for a big bounce back? His swinging-strike and chase rates are intriguing, as well as his strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Some teams will be getting key players back from season-ending injuries they suffered in 2020. These are All-Star players when healthy such as Matt Chapman, Noah Syndergaard, and Chris Sale. Although the pitchers who got Tommy John won't be ready until summer, some position players are ahead of their timelines and expect to be ready for Spring Training.
Anthony DeSclafani has agreed to a one-year deal with the Giants. A solid pitcher over the course of his career, he's looking to put an atrocious 2020 season behind him. The Giants have been able to revive a few pitchers' careers in recent years, leading them to a bigger payday. Mike Zunino is back in Tampa Bay on a small deal ($3M guaranteed) with incentives.
In a long overdue announcement Major League Baseball has officially added the Negro Leagues to official records. Approximately 3,400 Negro League players are now officially considered to be Major Leaguers. This will alter the history books. Ted Williams may no longer be the last man to hit .400 and Willie Mays will have some hits added to his career totals.
The Red Sox have signed Hunter Renfroe to a one-year deal. He'll and some thump to the middle of their lineup. Renfroe is a slugger, but don't be fooled - he's an excellent right fielder as well. The Padres want to sign Fernando Tatis Jr. to an extension. Tatis Jr is already one of the elite players in the game, so it's not going to be cheap.
After 105 years as the Indians, Cleveland will be changing their name. They've made efforts to shed the overall stigma over the years by changing their logo and using the Chief Wahoo caricature less. This is the final, and biggest, step of their rebrand.
The Mets have found their catcher. They have signed James McCann to a four-year deal worth around $40 million. It's a steep discount from JT Realmuto's asking price, but the Mets are still getting a top catcher. With space in their budget, New York is primed to make even more moves this winter.
Vlad Jr. is playing some winter ball in the Dominican Republic and he looks trimmer than he did during the summer. Keeping himself in shape will pay dividends for Vlad - he still hasn't even scratched his potential. Marcell Ozuna won the Edgar Martinez award for being the league's best designated hitter. The Rangers signed David Dahl to a one-year deal hoping he can stay healthy.
The Phillies have hired Dave Dombrowski to be their President of Baseball Operations. Dombrowski is one of the most decorated executives in baseball history and his track record suggests that he'll be making some big moves in the near future. What should we expect to see happen in Philly?
Who are the best in today's game? The 2020 All-MLB teams have been announced. They include a first and second team. Mike Trout and DJ LeMahieu are the only players to appear on the First Team for the second straight year. Jacob deGrom is the only pitcher to attain All-MLB honors for the second straight year.
Carlos Santana has agreed to a two-year deal worth $17.5 million with the Kansas City Royals. Don't let the 2020 numbers fool you. Santana is a switch-hitting on-base machine with 30-homer pop in his bat. Adam Eaton is heading back to the White Sox on a one-year, $7 million deal. Eaton was a strong contributor for the White Sox just a few years ago, but was shipped out when they began a rebuild. That rebuild is clearly over now.
The Angels have landed a new closer. Raisel Iglesias is on his way to Anaheim in exchange for Noe Ramirez. The Angels are retooling their bullpen after it posted an MLB-worst 14 blown saves in 2020. The White Sox traded for Lance Lynn. It cost them their #5 prospect in Dane Dunning, but Chicago now has an excellent third starter as they look to build off their recent success.
Billy Wagner built a career on his 100-mph fastball. Wagner is one of the greatest relievers of all time, but the origin of his fastball almost sounds like a folk tale. Wagner is naturally right-handed, but he learned to throw lefty after breaking his right arm multiple times as a child. He was also short and threw around 80 mph in high school, so he didn't get any looks from Division 1 colleges. How did Billy Wagner manage to develop into a star?
After a year with no fans and some financial losses incurred by a pandemic, the Phillies seem to be strapped for money. Are the Phillies really considering trading Zack Wheeler just one year after signing him? Wheeler was excellent for the Phillies this year but he is owed significant money over the next few years. What message does this send to Bryce Harper? All this (and more) on today's episode.
In a surprising move, Chris Young has been named the next general manager of the Texas Rangers. Young just recently hung up his spikes a couple years ago, and now he finds himself as a GM. He'll bring a unique perspective that GM's rarely have - the perspective of a former MLB player.
Corey Knebel has been traded to the Dodgers. Knebel will try to resurrect his career after a rough first year back from Tommy John. It always seems like the Yankees have too many outfielders, but their main guys (Stanton and Judge) are often injured. As such, their depth is necessary. The Yankees are reportedly looking at Michael Brantley, but Brantley is too good to be a potential bench piece.
56 new free agents were made after their team's decided not to tender them a contract by yesterday's deadline. Some of these players, like Adam Duvall, are coming off strong seasons. At the end of the day, teams are making purely financial decisions. We take a look at the top 8 new free agents.
One big domino has fallen in the market for relief pitchers. Trevor May and the Mets have agreed to a two-year deal worth $15 million. May is one of the game's best strikeout pitchers. The Twins have waived Eddie Rosario. Rosario is an above-average player who should draw plenty of interest, so this is most likely a cost-cutting move.
Major League Baseball has announced the formation of the MLB Draft League. This will be a league for draft-eligible players to compete in ahead of the MLB Draft. Since the MLB draft has been pushed back from June to July, there is a gap of time for prospects to show their skills in front of scouts in a wood bat league against top competition. There will be six teams - all of which are former Class A minor league clubs.
Slowly but surely, pitchers are being plucked off the market. Mike Minor has agreed to a multi-year deal with the Royals. Minor is returning to Kansas City after a few years in Texas. Michael A. Taylor will also be heading to the Royals on a 1-year deal. Taylor has power and speed but he'll need to cut down on his strikeouts.
The Blue Jays have been connected to multiple free agents including George Springer, Michael Brantley, and Justin Turner. Toronto is ready to spend and that's their best option while keeping their young core intact. The Astros may not want to lose Carlos Correa for nothing, so trading him makes sense. Yadier Molina is drawing interest from several teams, but it just doesn't seem right for him to play outside St. Louis.
The Blue Jays are planning to build a new stadium. They will demolish the Rogers Centre and build the new one at the same location. Although it won't be happening immediately, they will need to find a place to call their home ballpark while construction is happening. Kohei Arihara (RHP) has been posted by the Nippon Ham Fighters. With a month to negotiate with MLB teams, Arihaha should land a free agent contract.
Even baseball executives are active during the holiday shopping season. Whether it was Curt Schilling heading to Boston or Josh Donaldson to Toronto, some of the major deals and blockbusters have occurred on Black Friday. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's not a blockbuster deal, but the Reds and Rockies have made a trade. Jeff Hoffman will head to Cincinnati and Robert Stephenson will head to Colorado. Both pitchers are in need of a scenery change but some believe each still has upside. All this on today's episode.
The Braves have a lot of young talent in their rotation, but sometimes you need an elder statesman to lead the way. With Mike Soroka still on his way back from an Achilles injury, Atlanta has quietly picked up two veteran arms. Charlie Morton is the latest addition after they signed Drew Smyly last week. Morton signed a 1-year, $15 million deal.
Word on the street is that the Rays are open to trading Blake Snell. This seems like a bit of a shock until you remember that the Rays have made this kind of move before (David Price & James Shields). Snell would net a massive haul, especially from a pitching-starved team like the Angels or Mariners.
The Mets are thinking of playing Amed Rosario at multiple positions next year. A natural shortstop, Rosario has the tools to move around the diamond, but his bat is a bit light to match the profile of a corner spot. Are the Mets clearing shortstop to make way for a big trade piece? All this on today's episode.
After a 10-year career, Yonder Alonso has retired. Alonso was a one-time All Star who bounced around several teams. In recent years, he was a veteran presence for teams that needed some 1B/DH depth. Alonso wants to stay involved in baseball in some capacity. What's next for him?
The Washington Nationals are looking for bats. They are kicking the tires on a Kris Bryant trade, a DJ LeMahieu signing, or a JT Realmuto signing. After losing Anthony Rendon last year, Washington wants to acquire an offensive weapon. J.A. Happ has piqued the Angels' interest. He's been very consistent despite his age. Could George Springer end up in Toronto? It makes a lot of sense.
Wander Franco is baseball's top prospect and has been for two years now. He's still only 19 years old and has yet to play above A-ball, so he'll most likely spend 2021 getting seasoned in the upper minors. But after then, what will his path to playing time be considering who the Rays already have in the middle infield?
Robinson Cano has tested positive for PEDs again. Cano will be suspended without pay for the entire 2021 season. Although he won't receive the $24 million he was due next year, Cano still has an additional 2 years and $48 million dollars on his contract. Although he was an elite player with Hall-of-Fame numbers, Cano will struggle to receive a nomination to Cooperstown when the time comes.
Theo Epstein is stepping down from his role as the Cubs' President of Baseball Operations. Epstein is a decorated executive who will be in the Hall of Fame some day, but he is walking away from the Cubs with a year left on his contract. What does this mean for the Cubs franchise? Cody Bellinger underwent shoulder surgery and should be ready for Spring Training.
Mike Clevinger will undergo Tommy John surgery today, but at least he gets to celebrate a new 2-year deal with the Padres. Drew Smyly was one of the better strikeout pitchers in baseball, so the Braves are banking on his upside with a 1-year, $11 million deal for next year. The 2021 Hall of Fame ballot has been released. All this (and more) on today's episode.
JT Realmuto is the best catcher in baseball. He's also a free agent. Realmuto will be looking to strike it rich, and he's well-positioned to do so. Projections see him landing a 5-year deal in the $115-125 million range. Where are his likely destinations?
Marcus Stroman will be returning to the Mets - he accepted the qualifying offer. He'll be at the front of the staff along with Jacob deGrom, but the Mets still have a bunch of holes to plug. The Padres are discussing a two-year extension with Mike Clevinger. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Miami Marlins have hired Kim Ng to be their next general manager. Ng has over 30 years of experience in Major League Baseball, which include stints across three different franchises. Ng is the first female to become a general manager in any major American sport.
Jose Abreu and Freddie Freeman are this year's MVPs. Abreu's selection came as bit of a surprise to some, but it was certainly well deserved. The Cuban slugger has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball for a long time, and his strong 2020 season found him at the top of multiple major categories. Freeman bounced back from a rough bout with COVID-19 and was a clear-cut favorite to win the award.
Trevor Bauer and Shane Bieber are the 2020 Cy Young Award winners. Bauer has lined himself up for a nice payday this winter after becoming the first Cincinnati Reds player to win the award. In the American League, Shane Bieber was a unanimous selection. Bieber won MLB's pitching triple crown in 2020.
When you lead the Miami Marlins to the playoffs, you deserve Manager of the Year. That's precisely what happened to Don Mattingly. Mattingly won the National League version of the award while leading an underdog to the postseason despite a piecemeal roster and a COVID-19 outbreak. Kevin Cash won in the American League after leading the Rays to a pennant.
The Rookie of the Year awards have been announced. Kyle Lewis was a unanimous selection in the American League, and Devin Williams took home the honor in the National League. Both players were highly touted draft picks who lost some shine as they battled major injuries through their time in the minors. Both players are living up to their lofty ceilings so far as their careers are just taking off.
Kevin Gausman might be the only player strongly considering accepting his qualifying offer this year. With $18.9 million on the table, Gausman might be best taking the deal and then testing the market again next year. Although he had a strong year, teams might want to see him do it over a normal-length season before committing to a multi-year deal with him.
The Cleveland Indians are shopping Francisco Lindor. Lindor has one year left on his deal and Cleveland doesn't seem willing to pay his hefty price tag. The Indians have not been known to get attached to any one player and will do what's necessary to maintain a modest payroll. What team would be a good trade partner? All this on today's episode.
The Red Sox are bringing back Alex Cora. After being dismissed earlier this year for his role in the Astros' sign stealing scandal, Alex Cora served a season-long suspension handed down by the Commissioner. Cora will get back to work with a roster that's already familiar with him. Alex Gordon and Nolan Arenado won Platinum Gloves. The Mets are cleaning house. All this on today's episode.
The Silver Slugger award is given to the best hitter at each position in each league. Who were the offensive juggernauts in 2020? Mike Trout took home his eighth Silver Slugger, as he works his way up the all-time list for outfielders. Even at age 40, Nelson Cruz isn't slowing down. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Marcell Ozuna enters the winter as the top bat on the market. How much will he command? With Ozuna, you're getting a consistent middle-of-the-order bat that should be good through a multi-year deal. Ozuna is a bit suspect defensively, so the future of the DH in the National League will surely come into play here. All this on today's episode.
Who are the finest in the field? The Gold Glove award winners were announced and it includes some familiar faces. Nolan Arenado has now won 8 straight Gold Glove awards to start his career. Can he catch Ichiro's record of 10? Alex Gordon took home his 8th and final as he rides off into retirement. All this on today's episode.
The finalists for each major award have been announced We take a look at who's in consideration for Rookie of the Year, MVP, Cy Young, and Manager of the Year awards in each league.
A qualifying offer is a one-year offer that can be given to impending free agents which is worth the average of MLB's 125 highest paid players. This year's qualifying offer is worth $18.9 million. A player who declines the qualifying offer will become a free agent, but his team will receive draft pick compensation if he leaves. Most players decline the qualifying offer. Six players received a qualifying offer this year (Bauer, Gausman, LeMahieu, Springer, Stroman, and Realmuto).
Several players had their options for 2021 declined by their ballclubs. Some of these players include Ryan Braun, Jon Lester, Carlos Santana, and Chris Archer. Where could each of these players land? Has Ryan Braun played his last MLB game? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Chicago White Sox have hired Tony La Russa to be their next manager. Chicago now has World Series talent and ambitions, so adding a Hall of Fame manager is a logical next step. Will La Russa be able to mesh with a young ballclub? Just a few days after his season-long suspension ended, AJ Hinch was hired to be the Tigers' next manager. All this (and more) on today's episode.
What should each NL team focus on this offseason? There are many strong options on the free agent and trade markets this year. Fresh off a World Series victory, could the Dodgers pull off another blockbuster? Look for the Cardinals to add an impact bat. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Every team can improve in some way. How will the Astros deal with the fact that all 3 of their outfielders are free agents? Will the Angels finally get a front-line starter? Let's take a look at every American League team's offseason needs.
The LA Dodgers have won the World Series. After falling just short over the past few years, their 32-year drought is over. Corey Seager took home World Series MVP honors. Did Kevin Cash make a mistake by pulling Blake Snell too early? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Joc Pederson and Brusdar Graterol have played well this postseason, but they could easily be watching the World Series from home. After all, both players were involved in trades that were called off last winter. We take a look back at the events that almost landed Pederson in Anaheim and nearly prevented Graterol from leaving Minnesota.
Clayton Kershaw led the Dodgers to a Game 5 victory in the World Series. Kershaw would record 6 strikeouts on his way to passing Justin Verlander on the all-time (playoff) strikeouts list. The Dodgers are one win away from a World Series title. All this on today's episode.
The Rays got a walk off victory in a bizarre series of events to end Game 4 of the World Series. The Dodgers' defensive lapse looked like something from a Little League game, but did Dave Roberts mismanage the bullpen yet again? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Walker Buehler continued his impressive postseason with another dominant outing. The young ace racked up 10 strikeouts over 6 innings of 1-run ball in the Dodgers' World Series Game 3 victory. Randy Arozarena hit his 8th HR o the playoffs and set the rookie record for most hits in a postseason. All this on today's episode.
The 2020 Gold Glove award finalists have been announced. We take a look at the competition for each position in each league. There are a lot of potential first-time winners and some familiar faces.
Led by 2 home runs off the bat of Brandon Lowe, the Tampa Bay Rays have evened the World Series at 1-1. Blake Snell gave a solid start, but it was the Rays bullpen that held things together. The Dodgers tried pitching a bullpen game, but it didn't go so well. Randy Arozarena and Cory Seager continue to lead the offensive narrative. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It was the Dodgers' trio of MVPs that led the way in a World Series Game 1 victory. Betts homered and stole two bases, Bellinger homered, and Kershaw pitched 6 strong innings. Tyler Glasnow was hit around quite a bit for Tampa Bay. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The World Series is here. The Rays will take on the Dodgers in the Fall Classic which begins tonight. What should we expect and who has the advantage in each facet of the game?
The Dodgers have won the NL Pennant. They are going back to the World Series after winning three games in a row. A strong night for the bullpen and some timely home runs led LA to victory in Game 7. Corey Seager was named NLCS MVP. Is this finally their year?
The Tampa Bay Rays will play in the World Series. After holding off a pesky Astros ballclub in seven games, the Rays await the winner of the Braves-Dodgers Game 7 matchup. All this on today's episode.
The Houston Astros are looking to become just the second team to ever rally from an 0-3 series deficit and win. Can they do it? The Dodgers showed that they have plenty of life left. We take a look ahead to what will be an exciting night of baseball. All this on today's episode.
Bryse Wilson turned in a sharp outing for the Braves, delivering six innings of one-run ball in his postseason debut. He was backed by Marcell Ozuna's monster night at the dish that featured two home runs. Clayton Kershaw's postseason struggles continue. Carlos Correa's walk-off home run forced a Game 6 in the ALCS. All this on today's episode.
The Dodgers hit their way back into the series with an offensive onslaught in Game 3 of the NLCS. LA scored 11 runs in the 1st inning on their way to a 15-3 victory over Atlanta. The Dodgers look to tie up the series with Kershaw taking the ball in Game 4. The Astros avoided elimination with a Game 4 victory over the Rays. Still down 3-1, Houston will need to keep their foot on the gas. Can they do it? All this on today's episode.
Ian Anderson still has not surrendered a run in the postseason. Less than two months into his big league career, Anderson continued to deal on the biggest stage with 4 shutout innings against the Dodgers. The Rays are one win away from the World Series. All this on today's episode.
Joe Morgan, a first ballot Hall-of-Famer, passed away at the age of 77. Morgan was a key piece of Cincinnati's Big Red Machine in the 1970s and a well-known voice on ESPN for two decades. The Rays took a 2-0 series lead over the Astros. Max Fried led the way with 6 innings of 1-run ball as the Braves took Game 1 over the Dodgers. All this on today's episode.
The Rays have a real weapon at the back of their bullpen. After throwing two strong innings against the Yankees just two days prior, Castillo delivered a give-out save for the Rays in their Game 1 ALCS victory over the Astros. What makes him so unhittable? All this (and more) on today's episode.
We preview the ALCS and NLCS as we take a dive into both matchups on paper. The Astros will likely have to rely on their stout offense again. What can the Braves do to tame the Dodgers? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays are going to the ALCS. Mike Brosseau's 8th inning home run gave the Rays a thrilling victory over their rival Yankees. Brosseau's blast came on a 100 mph fastball - the 10th pitch of a gritty at-bat. It was Brosseau's first at-bat against Aroldis Chapman since Chapman threw a 101 mph at Brosseau's head earlier this season. All this on today's episode.
The Braves and Dodgers swept through their Division Series matchups. They will meet in the NLCS which begins on Monday. The Yankees forced a win-or-go-home Game 5 against the Rays. Who has the upper hand? All this on today's episode.
Cody Bellinger and the Dodgers held off a Padres comeback attempt in Game 2. The reigning NL MVP hit a homer and robbed one as well to lead LA to victory. The Rays now stand one win away from the ALCS. Will the Bronx Bombers bite back? All this (and more) on today's episode.
George Springer led the way with 2 HRs as the Astros took a commanding 2-0 lead over the A's. Giancarlo Stanton is healthy, and he's letting his bat do all the talking. His homers weren't enough, however, as the Rays evened up the series. Acuna is not sorry for pimping homers. Imagine making your MLB debut in the playoffs. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros' offense came to life yesterday in a 10-5 victory over the A's to take Game 1 of the ALDS. Houston tallied 16 hits and their core bats (Correa, Springer, Bregman, Altuve) combined to go 11-18 with 6 runs scored and 8 RBIs. The Yankees simply outplayed the Rays in their series opener. Giancarlo Stanton's late grand slam was the heavy blow. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Francisco Cervelli is retiring after a 13-year career. Cervelli was an above-average player, but a long string of injuries (mostly concussions) nagged him throughout his career. The Phillies are getting a new GM. It's been a disappointing two years in Philadelphia as they are still seeking a return to October. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With the Division Series starting soon, let's take a look at every team's pitching staff and how they'll arrange things. There are no off days in this best-of-five round. Will teams without a rotation depth get exposed? All this on today's episode.
Bob Gibson's 1968 season is arguably the greatest season ever pitched. Gibson passed away at the age of 84 but his legacy will stand forever. The Marlins and Padres are moving on. All this on today's episode.
With a barrage of late home runs, the Padres stormed back to defeat the Cardinals. Tatis and Myers each went deep twice and Machado added one of his own. Clayton Kershaw was dominant against the Brewers. Kershaw racked up 13 K's across 8 shutout innings as the Dodgers advanced to the NLDS. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Make it 18 straight playoff losses for the Minnesota Twins. What will it take for the Twins to get over the hump? The Rays did it all in their dominant two-game sweep of the Blue Jays. The Indians couldn't hold a lead against the Bronx Bombers. Oakland punched back, so the A's and White Sox will play a win-or-go-home Game 3 today. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees pounced on Shane Bieber on their way to a 12-3 victory in Game 1 of their Wild Card series. This wasn't the pitcher's duel everyone anticipated, but Gerrit Cole held up his end of the bargain. Lucas Giolito was dominant in the White Sox victory and Blake Snell led the Rays over Toronto. The Twins have now lost 17 consecutive playoff games. All this on today's episode.
Jose Ramirez and Freddie Freeman capped off stellar regular seasons by winning AL and NL Player of the Month awards, respectively. Trevor Bauer and Chris Bassitt took home the honor for pitchers. Who won for relievers and rookies? All this on today's episode.
The 16-team playoff field is set. It all begins on Tuesday with a best-of-three Wild Card round. Will the Marlins' magic continue? Is an early exit in the picture for the Yankees, or can their big bats overpower the Indians' elite pitching staff? All this (and more) on today's episode.
As we enter the final day of the regular season, there are still several potential possible playoff scenarios. DJ LeMahieu is set to win his 2nd career batting title. Jacob deGrom is touching 102 mph now. Where did this velocity boost come from? All this (and more) on today's episode.
For the first time in 17 years, the Miami Marlins have clinched a playoff berth. The Reds have also snuck in, but are we sleeping on their chances to go deep into October? Ronald Acuna Jr blasted the longest home run we've seen this season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yadier Molina will go down as one of the best defensive catchers of all time, but he also notched his 2000th career hit last night. Molina is a lifetime Cardinal and has built a strong case for the Hall of Fame. Royals icon Alex Gordon will retire at the end of the season. Gordon had a successful 14-year career that saw him win 7 Gold Gloves and a World Series title - all with the Royals. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Both Cy Young Awards might be coming to the state of Ohio. Shane Bieber and Trevor Bauer put finishing touches on what could be crowning seasons for both pitchers. Kenta Maeda has proved that he is an ace. Tampa Bay clinched the AL East. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With less than a week to go, several teams are still in the playoff hunt - thanks to MLB's new playoff format. Some races will go right down to the wire and very few teams can rest now. Where does each contender stand at this point? All this on today's episode.
Move over, Houston. The Oakland A's have clinched the AL West. As we enter the final week of the regular season, there are close postseason races to watch and individual accolades that are yet to be secured. We take a look at Alejandro Kirk, the 5'8", 265 lbs catcher for the Blue Jays. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Although the Red Sox farm system has churned out several quality hitters over the years, they haven't developed a solid pitcher in a very long time. Tanner Houck is looking to change that - he stifled the Yankees in his second career start. In what might have been his final home game with the Astros, George Springer hit two home runs. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Justin Verlander is getting Tommy John surgery. Verlander will miss the rest of the season and most likely all of next year. At 37, the future Hall of Famer might have thrown his final pitch with the Astros, but he wants to pitch for many more years. J.A. Happ led the Yankees to their 10th straight victory. The White Sox look dangerous. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Minor Leagues are a rite of passage on a baseball player's journey to the MLB. Not for Garrett Crochet. Crochet made his MLB debut just 3 months after being drafted, and he never pitched in Minors. Albert Pujols is now alone at #5 on the all-time HR list after passing Willie Mays. Zach Plesac threw an immaculate inning. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Bronx Bombers are firing on all cylinders. The Yankees hit 6+ homers in a game for the 3rd straight night. The White Sox and Rays clinched postseason spots. Josh Donaldson was ejected after homering and kicking dirt onto home plate in frustration with an earlier call. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Some milestones were accomplished last night as Gerrit Cole secured his 100th career win and Ryan Braun hit his 350th career home run. Might we be seeing the final moments of Ryan Braun's career? The NL Central race is tight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Everything seems to be clicking for the White Sox this year. Rookie right-hander Dane Dunning has been sharp this year and he's making a strong case to be at the front of their postseason rotation. Luke Voit has created some space in the HR leaderboard as he went deep twice in the Yankees' rout of the Blue Jays. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres made a statement with a 7-2 victory in their series-opening game against the Dodgers. San Diego is now 1.5 games within the Dodgers in an NL West race that should go down to the wire. Mike Minor and Trevor Bauer turned in dominant outings for their clubs. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Alec Mills tossed a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers. Mills joins Lucas Giolito of the White Sox as the second Chicago pitcher to throw a no-hitter this year. A former 22nd rounder who was thrust from the bullpen to the starting rotation due to a teammate's preseason injury, Mills was one of the unlikeliest candidates to make history. Albert Pujols tied Willie Mays for 5th on the all-time HR list. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ian Anderson is filling a void that was formed in Atlanta when Mike Soroka was injured and out for the year. The rookie right-hander continues to dominate at the big-league level, and could be a future young ace. Jose Abreu and Tim Anderson collected 4 hits apiece as the White Sox routed the Tigers. Should both players be getting serious MVP consideration? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Luke Voit has been the Yankees' best hitter this year. Voit hit two home runs in the Yankees' doubleheader sweep of the Orioles. Voit now sits atop the MLB home run leader-board with Mike Trout. Kenta Maeda has been a silent ace for the Twins this year. The Mets actually gave Jacob deGrom some run support. The Mets scored a whopping 18 runs in support of deGrom. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Although the Red Sox pitching has been a glaring weakness this season, their lineup has been showing some flashes of promise for future seasons. Rookie 1B Bobby Dalbec homered in his 5th consecutive game and Rafael Devers continues to mash the ball. Brady Singer was five outs away from a no-hitter. Should pitch count be regarded for a young pitcher chasing history? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adam Duvall had another 3-HR game as the Braves defeated the Marlins by a score of 29-9. The Brewers also put up a football score as they defeated the Tigers 19-0. Trevor Bauer continues to be dominant this season. Bauer outdueled Yu Darvish by putting up 10 strikeouts across 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Cubs. The NL Cy Young race is getting tight. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays and Marlins currently occupy a playoff spot. The Orioles are half a game behind the Yankees. We knew this season would be crazy, but we're now seeing what that all looks like. Nelson Cruz refuses to decline at age 40. Sixto Sanchez should be in the conversation for NL Rookie of the Year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays outslugged the Yankees in the first game of a pivotal 3-game set in Buffalo. Vlad Guerrero Jr. stole his first career base in a wild sixth inning. The Padres secured a 1-0 victory over the Rockies with Jurickson Profar's walk-off double. Dinelson Lamet set the pace for the Padres with 11 K's over 7 2/3 innings. Lamet's slider might be the best in baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Lou Brock, the first ballot Hall of Famer, passed away at the age of 81. Brock had a strong hit tool, game-changing speed, and was a St. Louis icon. The Blue Jays have leapfrogged the Yankees into 2nd place in AL East. Both teams face each other in a big 3-game series this week. Jacob deGrom is this generation's Tom Seaver. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Offense was a theme across the league yesterday. Mike Trout has joined the 300 HR club. Trout took sole possession of the Angels all-time HR list. Eugenio Suarez turned in a hat trick of homers as the Reds downed the Pirates. Another day, another leadoff homer for Ronald Acuna Jr - his 18th are the most in Braves history. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yu Darvish was perfect through five on his way to firing a 7-inning, 1-hit, 11-K masterpiece for the Cubs. Finally healthy, Darvish is the front-runner for the NL Cy Young at this point. The Dodgers became the first team to reach 30 wins, and nothing is going to slow them down... in the regular season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Clayton Kershaw recorded his 2,500th career strikeout and became the 3rd youngest to ever do it. Kershaw is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, and he's having a renaissance year. Mike Clevinger made his Padres debut with 6 innings of 2-run ball. Pete Alonso delivered a walk off home run for the Mets over the Yankees. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Tom Seaver, the greatest Met of all time, has passed away at the age of 75. Seaver was a Hall of Fame pitcher who was synonymous with some of the greatest memories in Mets history. Josh Hader turned in a record-setting 12th consecutive hitless appearance to start the season. Mike Brosseau (2 HRs) and the Rays got sweet revenge against the Yankees. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Giants had three different players with 6 RBIs in a 23-5 victory over the Rockies. Alex Dickerson led the way with 3 HRs. Marcell Ozuna has fit in just nicely for the Braves, as he produced his first career 3 HR game last night. Zach Plesac rejoined the Indians with a sharp outing against the Royals. Don't look now, but the Marlins are above .500. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's certainly an interesting year when the Padres and Marlins are winners at the trade deadline. We recap the big moves that went down in one of the more intriguing MLB landscapes we've seen in a while. All this on today's episode.
For the first time in AJ Preller's tenure as GM, the Padres are buyers at the trade deadline. In a weekend, the Padres acquired 6 pieces and they might not be done yet. This is the result of the years they spent building one of the best farm systems in baseball. The Dodgers set the NL record for most HRs in a calendar month. On his 39th birthday, Adam Wainwright tossed a complete game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jo Adell hit his first two career home runs as the Angels routed the Mariners 16-3. Adel, 21, is the youngest Angel to homer since Mike Trout in 2012. The White Sox have set a franchise record for most home runs hit in a month. Kyle Tucker has arrived. The former #5 overall pick is carrying the Astros offense. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Although annual events such as the All-Star Game were cancelled this year, MLB still observed Jackie Robinson Day. Everybody wore 42 in honor of the American legend. Amed Rosario hit a walkoff home run for the Mets... at Yankee Stadium. The Angels traded Tommy La Stella to the A's in exchange for Franklin Barreto, a younger player with upside. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Coming off NL Player of the Week honors, Manny Machado has stayed red hot. Machado hit 3 home runs in yesterday's doubleheader split against the Mariners. Doubleheaders were the theme across the league yesterday among games that were played.
On a night of demonstrations across the sports world, 3 MLB games were postponed and some players chose not to play, in order to bring attention to issues of racial injustice. What's the next step? Gerrit Cole's win streak is over - he was out-pitched by Ian Anderson, who was stellar in his MLB debut. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Lucas Giolito has thrown a no-hitter. Giolito looked sharp all night against the Pirates as he secured the first no-no of his career. This is a great sign for the former top prospect and a budding White Sox team. Brandon Belt became the first Giant since Barry Bonds to reach base in 11 consecutive plate appearances. The Indians have recalled Mike Clevinger - he will start tonight's game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Albert Pujols passed A-Rod on the all-time RBI list. Pujols is now 2nd behind only Hank Aaron, as he continues to add to his first-ballot Hall of Fame resume. Javier Baez broke out with 2 HRs as he and David Bote awoke the Cubs' offense. With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are reportedly eyeing Taijuan Walker. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yu Darvish has been the Cubs ace this season. Now that he's healthy, we're seeing exactly what the Cubs hoped they were getting when they signed Darvish a few years ago. Alec Bohm is the future at 3B for the Phillies. Aaron Judge will be back in the lineup tomorrow. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Another day, another win for the Chicago White Sox. Led by 3 homers by their steady slugger Jose Abreu, the White Sox won their 7th straight in a crosstown matchup against the Cubs. Trent Grisham also got the memo, as he hit 3 of the 6 Padres homers last night. San Diego hit yet another grand slam. Triston McKenzie and Sixto Sanchez made their MLB pitching debuts. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The White Sox hit six home runs and received 8 innings of 1-run ball from Dallas Keuchel on their way to their sixth consecutive victory. Chicago has been waiting for a long time to contend, and their rebuild is clearly over. The Yankees-Mets series this weekend has been postponed due to a coronavirus case on the Mets. Kyle Lewis has emerged as the front-runner for AL Rookie of the Year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Another day, another grand slam for the Padres. San Diego's four straight games with a grand slam sets an MLB record. After a 3-game sweep in the Bronx, the Rays are alone atop the AL East. Armed with the best bullpen in baseball and several underrated bats, Tampa Bay is as good as any team. Clayton Kershaw was vintage in an 11-strikeout performance that vaulted him to #2 on the Dodgers' all-time strikeout list. All this (and more) on today's episode.
For the 3rd consecutive day, the Padres hit a grand slam against the Rangers. This time, it was a walk-off blast by Manny Machado. Rangers' manager Chris Woodward is probably punching the air right now. Casey Mize - the 2018 #1 overall pick - made his MLB debut for the Tigers with 7 K's over 4 1/3 innings. Trevor Bauer is in the Cy Young conversation this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Kenta Maeda flirted with a no-hitter before the Twins won a wild extra-inning game against the Brewers. Tim Anderson believes he truly is as good as he showed us when he won last year's AL batting champion. Anderson has stayed hot at the dish and turned in a 4-hit performance along with his second straight leadoff home run. Victor Robles is a future Gold-Glover. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Reliving childhood memories from the backyard, Kyle and Corey Seager faced each other for the first time at the MLB level. To make things better, both brothers homered in the game. After crushing 2 HRs against the Rangers, Fernando Tatis Jr. is alone atop the MLB leader-board. Not everyone is happy for him though, because apparently Tatis broke an unwritten rule by swinging at a 3-0 pitch while his team had a big lead. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Brandon Lowe has quietly been one of the best bats in the MLB this year. The Rays 2B has homered in 4 straight games and leads the American League in fWAR. The White Sox gave Roel Ramirez a loud welcome to the big leagues, as they hit 4 consecutive home runs off Ramirez in his MLB debut. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Oakland A's have shown a flair for the dramatic recently. After a game-tying 9th inning grand slam by Stephen Piscotty on Friday, the A's got a go-ahead 9th inning 3-run blast from Mark Canha to secure their 12th in 14 games. There's a crowd atop the home run leader board. Who will run away with the home run title this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bo Bichette is young, but he's carrying the Blue Jays offense and doing exactly what he's done at every level. After a 16-day hiatus due to a coronavirus outbreak within the team, the St. Louis Cardinals are set to return. They have a lot of catching up to do (only 5 games played so far) and will play 3 doubleheaders over the next 5 days. The Cardinals are calling up their top prospect - Dylan Carlson. What can we expect from the switch-hitting outfielder? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dodgers fans are getting everything they could have hoped for from Mookie Betts. Betts homered thrice for the sixth time in his career, tying an all-time MLB-record. Yu Darvish looks like an ace. The Rays offense woke up this week, as they scored 42 runs over a four-game sweep of the Red Sox. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have the luxury of being able to insert quality players into their lineup whenever a starter goes down. Clint Frazier showed why he's capable of starting at the MLB-level, as he collected 3 hits and a HR in his return to the lineup. It might be weird, but both the Orioles and Marlins have a winning record. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We knew that at least one player would be in contention to hit .400 this year. With more than a quarter of the season behind us, Charlie Blackmon is hitting an even .500. Even so, Blackmon still has a long journey ahead of him if he wants to hit .400 on the year. Dylan Bundy has quietly been one of the best pitchers in baseball this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
From Mike Trout leading an Angel's-A's slugfest in Anaheim to Didi Gregorious' grand slam pacing the Phillies' 5 homers in Philadelphia, last night was full of offense around the league. We take a look at the offensive showcase that was on display.
Ronald Acuna Jr broke out of his early season funk in a big way. Acuna hit 3 home runs across the Braves' doubleheader sweep in Philadelphia, including a 4-4 performance in Game 2. The Astros and A's brawled in Oakland after Roam Laureano was hit-by-pitch in multiple at-bats. Zach Plesac is being disciplined by the Indians after breaking the team's rules by leaving the hotel to meet up with friends on Saturday night. All this (and more) on today's episode.
After another lead-off blast and an 8th-inning shot to follow, Fernando Tatis is now tied for the NL lead in home runs. Tatis is only 21 years old and has played just 99 MLB games, but he is a superstar already. Giancarlo Stanton has been placed on the injured list. The A's have an 8-game winning streak. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Alex Verdugo put on a show at Fenway Park on both offense and defense. Verdugo blasted two home runs and robbed a home run as well. As the centerpiece of the Mookie trade, the Red Sox need Verdugo to stay healthy to realize his great potential. The hottest hitter in the American League is currently... Jose Iglesias? Iglesias has a bet with his former teammate Joey Votto to see who ends the year with more hits. Who will it be? All this (and more) on today's episode.
In his first start of the year, Nick Markakis delivered a walk-off home run for the Atlanta Braves. Markakis had previously opted out of the season, but opted back in a week ago. The Marlins are 6-1 now and Don Mattingly has taken managerial lead for most wins in franchise history. How long can the Marlins stay hot? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Kyle Seager became just the fourth player to hit 200 home runs as a Seattle Mariner. He's the elder statesman and foundation of this young Mariners club. Chris Taylor's sharp throw from left field completed a double-play to seal a victory for the Dodgers over the Padres. The Marlins have found ways to keep winning, even though they are short-staffed. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Fresh off paternity leave, Mike Trout homered in his first at-bat back. Trout holds the record for the most home runs by a visiting player in Seattle. Jesus Luzardo is throwing 99 mph sinkers from the left side. Nick Castellanos has put himself on top of the MLB HR leaderboard. Castellanos hasn't stopped mashing since last year's trade deadline. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mike Soroka suffered a torn Achilles and will be out for the year. This is a massive blow to the Braves, who will have to compete without their best pitcher - one of the top arms in the MLB. Shohei Ohtani is facing a setback due to a flexor strain and he'll be shut down from throwing for 4-6 weeks. In search of more offense, the Angels called up Jo Adell. What can we expect from the #6 overall MLB prospect? All this (and more) on today's episode.
After a scare where Yoenis Cespedes did not report to the ballpark and the team could not find him, the Mets found out that Cespedes had opted out of the 2020 season. It's been a bizarre turn of events for Cespedes, who is set to be a free agent this winter. It's early, but Aaron Judge is the front-runner for AL MVP. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have stayed true to their nickname as they keep blasting home runs and have won 5 consecutive games. Masahiro Tanaka looked strong in his return to action. The top of White Sox lineup featured four Cuban players last night. The future is bright on the South Side of Chicago. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mookie Betts reminded everyone why he's the best right fielder in baseball with a stellar defensive play to throw out a runner at third base. Betts also went 3-5 with his first Dodgers home run. With Yordan Alvarez out, Kyle Tucker is getting a chance to play regularly. Tucker's exit velocity numbers have been good so far in his young career, and he put that on display last night. Who will be the main second baseman for the Cubs this season? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Christian Vazquez has been most of the Red Sox offense this year. Vazquez went deep twice more as Boston won consecutive games for the first time this year. Shane Bieber has tallied 27 K's across his first two starts. He's the real deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Nate Pearson was as-advertised in his MLB debut last night. The 6'6" right hander oozes confidence and knows he will be an impact player for years to come. Ten years after striking out Vlad Guerrero Sr., Max Scherzer struck out his son Vlad Jr. Mike Yastrzemski was a late bloomer, but he is proving to be legit. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It was only a matter of time before someone intentionally threw at Astros batters. Joe Kelly did so as the Dodgers visited Houston for the first time since the 2017 World Series. As we've seen in the past, Kelly isn't afraid to throw at any hitter or get in a fight. Homer Bailey looked sharp in his Twins debut and was backed by Josh Donaldson's first home run with the club. All this (and more) on today's episode.
One of the biggest concerns coming into this season was how MLB would handle a COVID-19 outbreak. MLB is not playing in a bubble and teams are traveling around the country, is it possible to make it through the season without disastrous consequences? The Marlins' outbreak puts these questions to the test. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Justin Verlander is being shut down for two weeks with a forearm strain. He'll be re-evaluated at that point to assess his status moving forward. To all of our surprise, Ji-Man Choi took an at-bat from the right side... and homered! Choi used to switch-hit and showed us that it's just like riding a bike. The Marlins defeated the Phillies despite a COVID-19 outbreak that infected four of their starters. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It had been over seven years since Daniel Bard last pitched in an MLB game. Bard had battled the yips for years, but has made his way back and earned a win for the Rockies over the Rangers. At 35 years old, Bard still possesses the upper-90's velocity that made him effective early in his career. Lance McCullers made his MLB return from Tommy John surgery and Marcell Ozuna showed why the Braves paid for his bat. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shane Bieber might be the next front-line ace in the American League. Bieber's stuff was filthy while recording 14 strikeouts against the Royals on Opening Day. Velocity might be king nowadays, but don't tell Kyle Hendricks. Hendricks threw a 3-hit shutout against the Brewers without touching 90 mph. Matt Olson's walk-off grand slam capped a tremendous Opening Day.
There will be an expanded playoff format this year. There will be 16 teams in the playoffs, instead of 10. In a season that is bound to be full of surprises, it makes sense to try this new format now. Opening Night did not disappoint and baseball is officially back. All this (and more) on today's episode.
On the eve of Opening Night, Mookie Betts signed a 12-year $365 million extension with the LA Dodgers. Mookie is the second-best player in baseball, and he's being paid like it. Did the Red Sox make a mistake by trading Mookie - a home-grown superstar on a Hall-of-Fame trajectory? All this (and much more) on today's episode.
Matt Adams welcomed himself back to Atlanta with a walkoff home run in an exhibition game. Adams is vying for a roster spot, and he should provide the Braves with great left-handed pop. Both the Tigers and Marlins hit back-to-back-to-back home runs... but still lost. All this (and more) on today's episode.
As the Blue Jays continue to explore their options for a home ballpark this year, the Pirates have offered to let them use PNC Park. Yoan Moncada and Aaron Judge look sharp and ready to go for their ballclubs. In joining the fight against injustice, some Giants players took a knee during the national anthem. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shohei Ohtani will only pitch on Sundays this year. He looked good in his final tuneup yesterday, and he'll take the ball against Oakland next week. Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge are both healthy. Can it stay that way? Collin McHugh has opted out of the season because his arm hasn't recovered well from an injury. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There will be no Major League Baseball in Toronto this year. The Canadian federal government denied approval for the Blue Jays to play at home, due to concerns over COVID-19 transmission from cross-border travel. The Blue Jays will have to find an alternate site pretty quickly since their home opener is in just 10 days. The two main sites being considered are Buffalo, NY and Dunedin, FL. All this on today's episode.
Domingo German posted a Spanish message on his Instagram page saying he's "left baseball". We don't know exactly what he means by that. German is currently serving an 81-game suspension for a domestic violence incident. Braves camp is busy. The Yasiel Puig deal has been called off due to his positive test for COVID-19. However, Freddie Freeman and Touki Toussaint are back in camp. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Who is the active leader in batting average? Joey Votto might be the active leader in on-base-percentage, but Mike Trout is very close behind. Justin Verlander leads multiple pitching categories. Can you name them? Let's take a look at the active statistical leaders in major categories. All this on today's episode.
A strong bullpen is usually a key feature of a championship-caliber team. You'll need a good closer to hold down the ninth inning as well as a few late-inning set-up men. Which teams have the best bullpens heading into 2020? All this on today's episode.
The Atlanta Braves have signed Yasiel Puig to a one-year deal. Puig will bolster the Braves' corner outfield depth in the wake of Nick Markakis' decision to not play this year. Let's not forget that Puig is still a solid player, and he could prove to be more than just a backup. Who are some rookies who might force their way onto an Opening Day roster? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Byron Buxton can't catch a break. Buxton has been plagued with injuries his whole career. Still just 26 years old, Buxton will have to find a way to stay healthy to reach his high ceiling. What kind of player could he be? Jordan Hicks has opted out of the 2020 season. The Cardinals' closer will receive full service time and his salary for this season because he has a preexisting health condition (Type I diabetes). All this (and more) on today's episode.
There are a good number of high-impact players who missed all of 2019. Many of them suffered Tommy John Surgery, but a late start and shortened season put them in a position to compete with no restrictions this year. The Astros will need Lance McCullers Jr. to step up. Having Salvador Perez back will give the Royals much better production from behind the dish. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's been over two years since he played in a game, but Yoenis Cespedes says he's ready to go for Opening Day. Cespedes has been hampered by injuries stemming from a fractured ankle he suffered in July 2018. He has an incentive-laden contract, so it's in everybody's best interest that he plays well this year. How are the Braves handling Cole Hamels' recent setback? Joey Gallo is back in camp - expect a big year from him. All this on today's episode.
The Blue Jays are moving Vlad Jr. to first base. We all knew this was coming eventually, but they've decided to pull the trigger now and make Vlad a full-time 1B/DH. This means that all of Vlad's value is tied up in his bat, but he's exactly the type of player who fits that profile. Buster Posey and Michael Kopech have opted out of the 2020 season. All this on today's episode.
There are still some position battles going on for different clubs at Summer Camp. Will the Cubs hand the reins to Nico Hoerner at 2B, or will they stick with the veteran presence of Jason Kipnis? What will the Cardinals do with top prospect outfielder Dylan Carlson? The universal DH has likely created a path to the starting 3B job in Atlanta for Austin Riley. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Matt Kemp believes he "can still hit with the best of them". Is that true? It wasn't long ago when Kemp turned in an All-Star season for the Dodgers in 2018, but his production has been volatile in surrounding years (partly due to injury). Kemp is at Rockies summer camp on a Minor League deal. The Rockies signed Ubaldo Jimenez in February, but his comeback attempt is on hold now because they did not add him to their summer camp roster. Jimenez hopes to keep pitching with another team. All this on today's episode.
Gerrit Cole has won 16 consecutive decisions dating back to last season. He'll look to carry that with him to the Bronx as he chases Carl Hubbell's all-time record of 24. What is Ronald Acuna Jr.'s true potential? Shohei Ohtani took the mound in an intrasquad game yesterday. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The 2020 MLB Schedule has been unveiled. It all begins with Yankees-Nationals on July 23rd. Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole will face off in D.C. to kick things off. To minimize travel, teams will mostly play within their region (East, Central, or West). What are the key matchups to look for this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
After taking a line drive to the head during practice over the weekend, Masahiro Tanaka was diagnosed with a mild concussion. It was a scary sight, but he is doing well and should be ready to start the season. Andrew Heaney was named the Angels' Opening Day starter. Yu Darvish has added an 11th pitch to his repertoire. All this (and more) on today's episode.
In the wake of a similar story in the NFL, the Cleveland Indians are considering a name change. David Price and Felix Hernandez are among the latest players to opt out of the 2020 season. Neither will be paid this year, but Price has 2 years, $64 million remaining on his contract after this year. Felix would need to find another deal this winter, which could be tough for him. The Nationals named Carter Kieboom their starting third baseman. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bengie Molina hit for the cycle in the final season of his career. This was probably the most unlikely cycle in baseball history. For a catcher who was the slowest player in the league and struggling to put together any sort of offensive production that year, hitting for the cycle seemed well beyond the realm of expectations. We look back at that unlikely July 2010 evening. All this on today's episode.
Jose Quintana suffered an injury to his left thumb while washing dishes. Quintana received surgery and may begin the season on the injured list. Known for his durability, this freak accident could send Quintana to the IL for the first time in his career. AJ Ramos is trying to make a comeback, as he's signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers. Hal Steinbrenner says he expects to see fans at Yankee Stadium at some point this season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The dust has begun to settle and the MLB landscape is set. In a year where hot/cold streaks matter and home-field advantage doesn't, let's take a look at the revised power rankings for the 2020 MLB season. All this on today's episode.
The Tigers have signed #1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson. Torkelson will receive a signing bonus of $8,416,300 - the largest ever. The A's traded Jorge Mateo to the Padres in exchange for a player to be named later. Mateo has top-shelf speed but hasn't hit quite enough to command a big-league spot thus far. The 2020 Minor League season has officially been canceled and the Yankees expect some key pieces to be healthy on Opening Day. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Some players have begun to opt out of the 2020 season. Mike Leake, Joe Ross, Ryan Zimmerman, and Ian Desmond will not be playing this year. Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this was a near certainty and there will likely be more on the way. Players who opt out, and are not considered to be "high-risk", will not receive any salary or service time for 2020. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Miguel Cabrera is knocking on the door of both the 3,000 hit club and the 500 HR club. Miggy has been hampered by injuries in recent years, but he looked very healthy in Spring Training earlier this year. He probably won't hit either milestone this year due to the shortened season, but he should make great progress. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Although there's a chance we'll see pitchers hit again next year, it won't be long before the universal DH is a permanent change. Pitchers don't add much offensive value to a team, but of course, there are few of them who are solid hitters. We go through some trivia questions regarding the best hitting pitchers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With MLB rosters being expanded to include a "taxi squad" of extra players, who might we see in The Show this year? The Rays are expected to add Wander Franco to their roster. Franco is the #1 prospect in the game, but his path to MLB playing time is still not clear at this time because the Rays' middle infield is already strong. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It'll be a short season this year. With only 60 games on the schedule, don't be surprised if some players hit .400 or toss an ERA below 1.00. 60 games has been enough for some players like Bonds, Stanton, or Sosa to hit 30+ home runs. Nolan Ryan racked up 142 strikeouts in such a stretch. We take a look at the best 60-game stretches baseball has ever seen.
It's been several months since we saw the trades and free agent deals that led some of the game's biggest stars to new teams. As baseball gets ready to begin, let's recap all the star players in new places and their outlook for the season.
At long last, the stage is set for the 2020 MLB season. Teams will begin Spring Training 2.0 on July 1 and the regular season will start on July 23 or 24. There will be a universal DH this year, which creates so many opportunities for NL teams. With a condensed 60 game schedule, each game will mean so much more and we will probably see some "surprise" teams make the playoffs. What other changes are set for this season? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Chris Young burst onto the scene with the Arizona Diamondbacks by swatting 30 homers and stealing 27 bases in his rookie year. The D-Backs thought they had a star on their hands. Chris Coghlan seemed like a hitting machine when he won the NL Rookie of the Year, but the most we've heard of him since then was when he flipped over Yadier Molina a couple years ago. Who are some players who peaked as rookies? All this on today's episode.
A .500 record simply means you won just mas many games as you lost. It's not good, it's not bad. It's mediocre. Are you even more mediocre if you carry a run differential of zero? What about spending more days at .500 than any other team in history? All this on today's episode.
We're used to watching baseball on Father's Day. That's not the case this year, but we can take a look back at some of the memorable baseball moments from Father's Day. Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 500th career home run on Father's Day with his dad in attendance. Remember Nolan Arenado's walk-off home run to complete the cycle? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Just as we took a look at the home run champion at each National League stadium, we're doing the same for each American League stadium. Which AL ballpark has a first-place tie between Nelson Cruz and Raul Ibanez? Find out more on today's episode.
Citi Field opened in 2009, which has allowed Lucas Duda to claim the title as the ballpark's home run king. Todd Helton is atop the Coors Field list, but Nolan Arenado could pass him in a few seasons. Who is the home run champion at each National League ballpark? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Hitting MLB pitching is difficult enough from one side of the plate, but some guys can do it from either side - especially some all-time greats. We take a look at what an all-time lineup would look like if we only included switch hitters. All this on today's episode.
When it comes to awards in Major League Baseball, there are two big ones. For position players, it's the MVP. For pitchers, its the Cy Young Award. Once in a while someone will win both. Looking at the numbers, how many MVPs or Cys does it take to be a lock for the Hall of Fame? All this on today's episode.
It's quite rare for an MLB player to play into their 40s. Some guys have even put up monster seasons at such an old age for a professional athlete. Let's look at each franchise's best season by a player who was at least 40. All this on today's episode.
Christian Hackenberg is going to give baseball a try. Hackenberg was the New York Jets' 2nd round pick in 2016, but never appeared in an NFL game. With his football days seemingly over, he's going to try to become a Major League pitcher. He's reportedly throwing 90-92 mph, and his trainer believes Hackenberg could get up to 95 mph. All this on today's episode.
Everyone likes milestones. Big round numbers like 500 home runs or 3,000 hits certainly boost a player's resume. There have been many players who've come just short of major milestones. Would Fred McGriff have joined the 500 home run club if not for the 1994 strike? Johan Santana surely would've cleared 2,000 strikeouts if not for an injury-plagued career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Let's take a look back at the 2013 MLB season. It's already been over seven years since David Ortiz delivered his powerful speech at Fenway Park in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing. The Red Sox rallied around that moment and went on to win the World Series that year. We realized Mike Trout was an all-time great. Mariano Rivera rode off into the sunset and the Dominican Republic had the most dominant World Baseball Classic team ever. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The MLB Draft has concluded with 160 players selected across 5 rounds. We saw some interesting selections on Day 2 of the draft, including the most recognizable/popular player in this class. All this on today's episode.
The MLB Draft kicked off on Wednesday with Spencer Torkelson going #1 overall to the Detroit Tigers. The Arizona State product is a power-hitting first baseman who's bat should carry him to the Majors. Vanderbilt's Austin Martin "fell" to #5 where the Blue Jays snagged him. Martin joins an exciting future nucleus in Toronto. What other surprises were there? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Unlike other sports, top draft picks in baseball aren't expected to contribute at the Major League level immediately. Most players still need further development and spend a few years in the Minor Leagues before being called up. Only 21 players have gone straight from the MLB Draft to the MLB. Who are they? All this on today's episode.
Denard Span has decided to hang up his cleats. The former centerfielder decided to call it a career after receiving a few offers that he found insulting. Span believes he can still play and he hit pretty well in his last season, but few teams are willing to dole out any real money to older players like him anymore. Span retires with more triples than home runs and was a solid leadoff guy. All this on today's episode.
As of now, no progress has been made towards having a 2020 MLB season. Players and owners are at odds over money. That's what it all comes down to. If there is a season, many believe it could be as short as 50 games. For a sport like baseball, that's not nearly enough to determine the top talent - but is it better than nothing? What would be the implications of no baseball this year? All this on today's episode.
When the Rays drafted Kevin Kiermaier in the 31st round of the 2010 MLB Draft, he wasn't expected to become a big leaguer. Most players who sign that late are just farm system fodder. Kiermaier has become a three-time Gold Glove winner and is the best defensive center fielder in baseball. He also signed a six-year deal for a cool $53.5 million. Not bad for a late-round flyer. All this on today's episode.
Something must be in the water at Harvard-Westlake School. The Los Angeles high school produced three of last year's breakout aces - Jack Flaherty, Lucas Giolito, and Max Fried. All three pitchers were high school teammates. But there's more. Two more Harvard-Westlake teammates will be selected early in next week's MLB Draft. All this on today's episode.
Sometimes it pays to lose a player to free agency. If you extend a player a qualifying offer and he rejects it to become a free agent, you get a supplemental draft pick. Most of these picks land between the first and second round, so there is plenty of talent to be found. Teams have drafted elite players like Mike Soroka, Jack Flaherty, Blake Snell, and Aaron Judge through this route. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Chris Archer will miss the entire 2020 season after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery. The Pirates made a trade to acquire Chris Archer in 2018. That move has proven to be the worst trade in franchise history. Archer was one of the top arms in the American League, and the Pirates thought they were offloading some failed prospects. Unfortunately, those prospects became stars for the Rays, while Archer has struggled mightily. All this on today's episode.
Tim Lincecum was one of the first homegrown Giants stars that ushered in their dominance early last decade. He burst onto the scene by winning back-to-back Cy Young awards in 2008 and 2009. Lincecum's peak was short but he was easily the best pitcher in baseball and managed to rack up some serious hardware. We take a look back at Lincecum's impact. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Would you rather have a short but dominant career, or a long, stable, but unspectacular one? The former was precisely what happened to Brandon Webb. For a three-year stretch from 2006-2008, Webb was the most dominant pitcher in baseball. He was an innings-eater who won a Cy Young and came in 2nd place twice in that stretch - which comprised half of his entire career. We take a look at just how good Brandon Webb was. All this on today's episode.
Sports are one of the biggest platforms in our society. Athletes have a very powerful voice. In a league like Major League Baseball where African Americans are a minority, black players often don't feel as empowered to make bold statements about the deeply-rooted racial injustice affecting their community. This can and should change because baseball's general audience is precisely who can help foster this much-needed reform. All this (and much more) on today's episode.
In baseball, there are always some matchups that just don't work out well for a hitter. Even the all-time greats have their kryptonite. Sometimes there's just something about the way a certain pitcher throws that causes difficult timing or makes it tough to see pitches well enough. We take a look at some of these matchups, and it involves the likes of Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, and Stan Musial. All this on today's episode.
The MLB Draft is around the corner. Looking back at the history of the draft, who is the best player drafted from each state (plus Canada and Puerto Rico)? We take a look during today's episode.
Mike Trout recently said that Max Scherzer is the best pitcher he's ever faced. The numbers definitely agree with that. Scherzer is an elite power pitcher and he certainly knows how to get the best player in the world out. What is it that makes this matchup so difficult for Trout? All this on today's episode.
The Detroit Tigers were a powerhouse for a solid stretch in the early 2010's. Looking back, it's remarkable to consider just how much talent they had on those teams. After failing to win a World Series and needing to rebuild, they traded their last big pieces in 2017 when the dealt J.D. Martinez, Justin Upton, and Justin Verlander. Not a single player received in those trades has produced at the MLB level. Are the Tigers poorly run, or are they just unlucky? All this on today's episode.
The longest home run streak to begin a season is four games. Six different players have done it. We saw it as recently as Christian Yelich last season, and it first occurred when Willie Mays did it in 1971. Let's take a look at each of these streaks on today's episode.
Many MLB teams have a utility man on their roster. It's a player who can field multiple positions, and provides versatility when needed. Some utility men have become bona-fide stars and led their teams to greater heights. Players like Ben Zobrist and Matt Carpenter come to mind. Who have been the best utility men we've seen in recent years? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Japan's top league, the Nippon Professional Baseball League, has set an official Opening Day of June 19. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball's return is pending negotiations about money. It's clear that both the MLB and MLBPA will each have to make compromises on their stances. What exactly are they debating and will it be resolved soon? All this on today's episode.
Some MVP voting results have been really close. In fact, the 1979 NL MVP was a tie between Willie Stargell and Keith Hernandez. A-Rod and Ken Griffey Jr. could have each won the 1996 AL MVP (at 9.4 and 9.6 WAR), but it went to Juan Gonzalez (3.8 WAR) of the division-winning Rangers. Sometimes it takes a particular storyline for a player to get a slight edge, or maybe the popularity of his team becomes a factor. Let's take a look at some of the closest MVP races in baseball history. All this on today's episode.
Unlike pitching performances, it's a little more difficult to say which single-game hitting performances are the greatest of all time. Do you consider most runs produced, most times to reach base, most home runs, etc? On this day in 2002, Shawn Green collected 19 total bases - an MLB record which still stands. Was this the greatest game ever by a position player? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Brent Honeywell is one of baseball's premier pitching prospects. Unfortunately, he can't catch a break. Honeywell has experienced yet another arm injury. He hasn't pitched in a game since 2017, but the Rays prospect is expected to be an impact player once healthy. It's very unclear as to whether or not there will be a minor league season this year. Could some MLB teams call up their top prospects early in order to avoid them sitting out a whole year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Braves signed Ervin Santana to a one-year deal in March 2014. Santana would pitch a solid season for Atlanta that year, but then depart in free agency for the Twins. Because the Braves extended a qualifying offer to Santana, they received a compensatory draft pick when he left. The Braves then used that pick to draft Mike Soroka in the supplemental first round in 2015. It was an aggressive pick because most rankings had Soroka going one or two rounds later. Did signing Ervin Santana help land the Braves their future ace of the decade? All this on today's episode.
J.D. Martinez has been one of baseball's premier hitters over the last several years. He's been so good for so long that it's easy to forget that he was once released by the Astros. Martinez' first few years with Houston were pretty lackluster, so they cut him in March 2014. The Tigers picked him up and he went on to become a perennial All-Star, Silver Slugger, and World Series champion. How did Martinez flip the switch? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bartolo Colon is one of baseball's most well known players of the past decade. He's almost 47 now, but he's still interested in pitching one more year in the Major Leagues. Francisco Rodriguez also wants to make a return despite being out of the big leagues since 2017. K-Rod is chasing the all-time saves record, which means he'd need 41 more. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Kershaw vs. Bumgarner was a key matchup of the past decade. The next decade could very well be for Flaherty vs. Buehler. Both young aces have electric arsenals and have already proven to be among the league's best. Will these two be the face of National League pitching in the 2020's? Who has the edge? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ben Sheets is one of just four pitchers since 2000 to strike out 18 batters in a game since. The other three pitchers are Randy Johnson, Corey Kluber, and Max Scherzer. Sheets' performance wasn't a fluke though - he was an elite pitcher when healthy. At a time when pitchers' win-loss record was more emphasized, Sheets was often overshadowed by players on better teams. All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB will be implementing the designated hitter league-wide in 2020. Are you for or against this rule? This means we won't see pitchers hit anymore. It also means that there will be a lot more roster spots available for "bat-only" players in the National League. Even American League teams will benefit from this because they'll have more teams to trade away an excess bat. All this (and more) on today's episode.
A few players get to spend their entire career with one team. Others have the opposite experience and spend their careers bouncing around from team-to-team. Edwin Jackson holds the record by having played for 14 different teams. Who are baseball's most traveled players? All this on today's episode.
It's hard enough to make it to the big leagues as a pitcher. Jim Abbott did it as a one-handed pitcher. Born without a right hand, Abbott still found ways to become a very successful major league player. He even threw a no-hitter against a stacked Indians team that featured Kenny Lofton, Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, and Albert Belle. What strategies did Jim Abbott use to be an effective player with only one hand? All this on today's episode.
Tommy Pham has been one of MLB's best players since 2017. He's spent much of that time playing for the Rays, so that could be why he hasn't gotten enough recognition for it. Pham was a late bloomer, but he is a valuable asset due to his speed, power, and overall hitting ability. We take a deeper look into Tommy Pham's development. All this on today's episode.
The 2008 Marlins infield set a record where they became the only unit to have each player hit at least 25 home runs. They could have been the first to each hit at least 30 homers, but Jorge Cantu was stuck at 29. It turns out that the Marlins actually only played 161 games that year because a late-season rain-out was never made up. Which two teams came close to matching this feat last year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dallas Braden was a budding pitcher for the A's in 2010. He had his best season that year, putting up a 3.50 ERA for Oakland. From making headlines about yelling at A-Rod to throwing just the 19th perfect game in MLB history, he had a very eventful year. We look back at Dallas Braden's perfect game and his injury-shortened career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
CC Sabathia had a superhuman stretch with the Brewers in the second half of the 2008 season. He went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA over 17 starts for Milwaukee including 7 complete games. He took the ball of three days' rest in each of his last three starts of the regular season, throwing 335 pitches in 9 days. The Brewers ran out of steam when they lost to the eventual World Series champion Phillies in the NLDS, but CC's heroics were already cemented in Brewers history. Was this the greatest stretch run in recent memory? All this (and more) on today's episode.
On May 8, 2012, Josh Hamilton set an American League record with 18 total bases in a game. He did it by swatting 4 home runs and a double against the Baltimore Orioles. The former MVP was an immense talent, and that game was a great example of it. We look back at Josh's historic night. All this on today's episode.
Matt Harvey was known as the Dark Knight. He was the Mets' savior and the head of their three-headed rotation. He lived up to it for a brief while with an All-Star season in 2013 and a stellar (post-Tommy John) 2015 season. Harvey's career abruptly fell off shortly after and he has bounced around the league for a few years. Will he ever pitch in the Majors again? All this (and more) on today's episode.
We've seen several instances where pitchers experience elbow discomfort but avoid surgery in favor of a platelet-rish plasma injection and rest. That's what Griffin Canning did, and he's back on the mound throwing bullpens. Will it work long-term? Javier Baez was discussing an extension with the Cubs, but that has been put on hold. Expect El Mago to stay in Chicago. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays were a powerhouse in the early '90s and they have the hardware to prove it. Thanks to Joe Carter's walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series, Toronto won back-to-back titles to prove that they were no fluke. Jose Bautista's home run and bat flip in 2015 is a more vivid memor for most, but Carter's blast is still the most iconic in Blue Jays history. All this on today's episode.
South Korea's professional baseball league is now underway, and games are being broadcasted by ESPN. ESPN will carry 6 games per week - each day from Tuesday through Sunday. The games are being announced by ESPN's regular broadcast team, who are each broadcasting from their home studios. Although it's not Major League Baseball, some form of baseball is back. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Albert Pujols' first 11 years in the MLB came in St. Louis, where he quickly established himself as an all-time great. From 2001-2011, nobody hit more home runs or doubles than Pujols. As a fan favorite, it was clear why Cardinals fans embraced him when he returned to Busch stadium last summer for the first time as a visiting player. Will he be the first position player to receive a unanimous selection to the Hall of Fame? We take a deeper look into Pujols' dominance. All this on today's episode.
With all the talk about potentially using neutral sites to host MLB games in 2020, lets take a look back at times where teams played their home games in unexpected locations. The Expos in Puerto Rico and the A's in Las Vegas? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Wander Franco is the #1 prospect in baseball and he knows it. He hasn't played in the big leagues yet, but he's so confident in his abilities that he said he sees himself with $300 million on the table within four years. It's not a certainty that Franco will have reached arbitration at that point, so that means he probably believes he'll get a monster extension. How much sense does this make? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Todd Helton holds the mark for the highest batting average in the month of May. Helton hit .512 in May 2000 on his way to an NL batting title that season. More recently, Clayton Kershaw threw three complete game shutouts and posted a 0.91 ERA in May 2016 - probably the best May any pitcher has ever thrown. We take a look at the best May performances in MLB history. All this on today's episode.
Manny Ramirez is pursuing yet another comeback - he wants to play in Taiwan again. Manny turns 48 next month, but his passion for the game keeps him coming back for more. Yadier Molina said he wants to play for two more years after this season. He's in the final year of his contract with the Cardinals. Will they keep him? Trey Mancini expects to make a full recovery from colon cancer. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) begins next week, and ESPN is reportedly nearing an agreement to broadcast some games. For baseball-starved fans, it would be a welcome sight. There is growing optimism that the MLB season will get underway this summer, and the league is reportedly eyeing a start date in late June or early July and a schedule of at least 100 games. The league would look a lot different, as the American and National Leagues would be eliminated in favor of 3 ten-team divisions (West, Central, and East). All this (and more) on today's episode.
One thing that's come from a potentially delayed start to the 2020 season is that teams with injury concerns have been given more time for their players to get healthy. This could be huge or the Yankees, who were slated to begin the season without Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and James Paxton. If played, the 2020 season will be critical for rotation pieces like Tanaka and Paxton. There's growing optimism that baseball will be played this summer. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Fernando Tatis Jr. could have been a Chicago White Sox. The White Sox signed him as an international free agent at the age of 16, but nobody knew what he would become at the time. Part of what makes evaluating young players so difficult is that they are still physically developing. Tatis grew physically and became the top prospect in baseball within a few years, and the White Sox are still kicking themselves for trading him for James Shields. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's always fun to watch a player hit for the cycle. Some guys have even done it multiple times. We take a look at the list of players who have hit for the cycle twice or even three times, and what made their feats fun to watch. All this on today's episode.
When Eugenio Suarez first came up to the big leagues, he was a light-hitting shortstop for the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers traded him to Cincinnati, where he has become on of the game's elite sluggers. Suarez is just entering his prime and put the baseball world on notice with 49 home runs last year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Moises Alou is one of those players who was better than we remember. Alou was an elite talent who put together a stellar career, but injuries robbed him of a potential Hall of Fame career. He was a pure hitter who raked into his 40s, and was part of some very memorable moments in the early 2000's. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Commissioner's investigation into the Red Sox sign stealing in 2018 is complete. Boston's activities were found to be limited in scope, and most of the blame was pinned on J.T. Watkins, the video replay operator. It is legal to use game footage to decipher a sign sequence before or after games, but Watkins used in-game footage to revise the sign sequence he gave to players. Boston will lose their 2nd round pick in 2020 and J.T. Watkins will be suspended through the 2020 season. Watkins will not be permitted to serve as any team's video replay operator in 2021. All this (and more) on today's episode.
When Michael Jordan decided to step away from basketball, he did so at the peak of his career. As the most famous athlete in the world, he decided to play baseball. After not playing the game for almost 15 years, Jordan spent a full season in the Chicago White Sox system playing at Double-A Birmingham. He struggled to hit breaking balls, but MJ stole 30 bases and improved as a hitter as the year went on. Could MJ have become a Major Leaguer with more time to develop? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Eight years ago today, Philip Humber threw the what was probably the most unlikely perfect game in baseball history. He's in the record books alongside Hall of Famers, Cy Young Award winners, and ERA champions, but Humber never showed any hint of recapturing the magic he showed that day. He was a one-hit wonder. All this on today's episode.
There's an old saying: "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush". Brady Aiken understands exactly what that means. After turning down a $5 million offer as the number one overall pick in the 2015 draft, Aiken enrolled at IMG Academy for a postgraduate year in 2015, where he got hurt during his first start and needed Tommy John surgery. He would get drafted 17th overall by the Indians that year and sign for $2.5 million, but Aiken's career immediately nosedived. As compensation for not signing Aiken in 2014, the Astros received the #2 pick in the 2015 draft, which they used to sign Alex Bregman.... All this (and more) on today's episode.
When you look at J.D. Drew's career numbers, you'll quickly realize that he quietly put up an outstanding resume. He was an excellent with speed and arm strength, but he was usually on fans' bad side because he prioritized money. Alongside his agent Scott Boras, Drew used some interesting tactics to secure a large signing bonus with the Cardinals on draft day in '98 - such as playing independent ball for a year after failing to reach an agreement with the Phillies in '97. It wasn't as common as it is now for fans to support a player who tried to maximize their income. J.D. Drew was an underrated trendsetter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
From 2005-2008, Grady Sizemore was a top-5 player in baseball. The best part about it was that he was just starting his career at the young age range of 22-25. Sizemore had an elite power-speed combination; he was Mookie Betts before Mookie Betts. He was on a Hall of Fame trajectory, but injuries derailed his career before he even reached his prime. Is Grady Sizemore the biggest "what-if" story we've seen? All this on today's episode.
The Tampa Bay Rays are known for acquiring undervalued players and squeezing every ounce of production out of them. That hasn't worked so far with Mike Zunino. Zunino has always been a great defender, but his bat needs to come around. It turns out that the player they traded to Seattle in that deal, Mallex Smith, hasn't panned out for the Mariners either. After a breakout 2018 season, Smith couldn't provide much offensive value at all last year. Was this a losing trade for both sides? All this on today's episode.
As a hard throwing right-handed pitcher from Texas taken as the #1 overall pick in the draft, Kerry Wood was bound to draw a lot of comparisons to Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. He was a highly touted prospect, but nobody knew what he could do when he'd finally put it all together. He did that on May 6, 1998 of his rookie year against a potent Astros squad. Wood set a MLB record with 20 strikeouts in complete game shutout with one hit and no walks. This was the most dominant start in baseball history. All this on today's episode.
Jackie Robinson was a pioneer. He didn't just break baseball's color barrier, he put together a legitimate Hall of Fame career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. We celebrate his legacy on Jackie Robinson Day each year, but it wasn't until 2009 that everybody in a MLB uniform began to wear his number 42 on this day. How did this tradition come about and who started it? All this on today's episode.
Third basemen must fit a unique profile. They need to produce offensively, while also being able to man the hot corner. The elite third basemen are Gold Glove winners who hit in the middle of the lineup. Who is the best third baseman in the history of every franchise. All this on today's episode.
Throwing a complete game shutout is an impressive feat. What about throwing six in a row? That's what Don Drysdale did during the second-longest scoreless-inning streak of all time. Bob Gibson's 47 scoreless-inning streak happened in the middle of a stretch of eleven straight complete games. Something must be in the water in LA, because four of the ten longest scoreless-inning streaks belong to Dodgers pitchers - Hershiser, Drysdale, Greinke, and Kershaw. All this on today's episode.
One great thing about baseball is that a comeback is always possible. Unlike most sports, there is no clock, so a team with a lead must get all 27 outs in order to secure the win. As a result, we get extra inning games that can sometimes turn into a marathon. What are some of the longest games in MLB history? All this on today's episode.
Switch pitchers are rare. So rare, that there was no rule that anticipated what would happen if a switch pitcher faced a switch hitter. This occurred in June 2008 in a minor league game, and it led to a cat-and-mouse game between the batter and pitcher. That pitcher, Pat Venditte, eventually made it to the MLB in 2015, and the official rule for this has been nicknamed after him. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mark Reynolds announced his retirement. Reynolds was one guy who you could often find among the league leaders in both home runs and strikeouts. Advanced metrics weren't fond of his game, but he stuck around for a lengthy 13-year career. Reynolds is among several MLB players who hail from the Virginia Beach area. Former St. Louis Cardinals 1B Mark Hamilton has repurposed himself and become a doctor. He'll begin his residency on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Wilmer Flores started his career with the Mets and was a household name and fan favorite for a few years. Shortly before the 2015 Trade Deadline, Flores was told that he was traded along with Zach Wheeler to the Brewers in exchange for Carlos Gomez. This happened in the middle of the game, but the deal fell apart minutes later after issues were found in Gomez' medical records. If that deal went through, would Josh Hader have stayed an Astro? Would Cespedes ever become a Met and lead them to a World Series? Would Mike Fiers have become an Astro and eventually become the whistle-blower in the sign-stealing scandal. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Not every player gets to go out on their own terms, but for some who do, they even get to go back to the team where they became established. It's only fitting to consider Ichiro a Mariner or Tom Glavine a Brave. So it made sense to see them end their careers with the teams they where they made a name for themselves. We look at 10 legends who got to end their careers with a reunion. All this on today's episode.
Al Kaline was Mr. Tiger. One of the greatest hitters of all time passed away yesterday. Kaline made his MLB debut just a week after his high school graduation and went on to have a magnificent 22-year career, entirely with the Tigers. MLB has laid out some specific details about potentially starting the season in May. It would mean playing all games in empty ballparks in the Phoenix, AZ area, including the Diamondbacks' Chase Field. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Adam Dunn had big-time power. He was the quintessential three true outcome hitter - a home run, a strikeout, or a walk. Dunn was known for his mammoth blasts and he once homered into another state. How did he do it? All this on today's episode.
Ray Caldwell was known throwing a gem for the Cleveland Indians in a game on Aug. 24, 1919 when he got struck by lightning with one out remaining for a complete game. Or was he? Caldwell was knocked out and laid on the ground for about five minutes before getting back up to secure the final out. What happened that day? All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's rare enough for a father and son duo to both play in the Major Leagues. It's eye-popping when they play together on the same team. It's remarkable when they hit back-to-back home runs, just as Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. did in 1990. The younger Griffey was having an outstanding sophomore season, on his way to a Hall of Fame career, while his father was at the twilight of his career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
What if tied games were decided by a home run derby after 10 innings? Would that make things more exciting and keep fans engaged all the way until the end? Justin Turner thinks so. Turner suggests that baseball should take a page out of hockey's book and have its own version of a shootout. If the game is tied after 10 innings, take the three best hitters from each team and have a home run derby to decide the winner. Each hitter gets five outs or ten swings. Could this idea work? All this on today's episode.
MLB and the MLBPA reached a deal that would give a total of $170 million in advance pay to players on 40-man rosters, injured lists, and players with major league contracts on outright assignments to the minor leagues. The payments vary based on contract and last through May 24, but projected over a full season, the payments would work out to salaries of $888,150, $186,000, $93,000 and $51,150. MLB has pledged $400 per week for all minor league players through the end of May. Shin-Soo Choo has pledged $1,000 to every minor leaguer in the Rangers' system. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We go through each franchise's history and discuss who their best first baseman was. Some, like Freddie Freeman or Anthony Rizzo, are still playing. Others, like Todd Helton, are the clear faces of their franchise. Guy like Jimmie Foxx can claim to be the best on two different teams. All this on today's episode.
Some hitters feel pressure when they're up to bat with the bases loaded. Other hitters get excited. It's one thing to make good contact with the bases loaded, but there's nothing like a grand slam. It's the most punishing result you can get from one swing of the bat. We take a look at the players who had a knack for hitting grand slams and what set them apart. All this on today's episode.
When looking at some of the best pitchers who never won a Cy Young award, some names might surprise you. Although he's known as one of the greatest, Nolan Ryan never won one. Competition was tough in the late 90's and early 2000's, so neither did Mike Mussina or Curt Schilling. Among active pitchers, Gerrit Cole is probably the most likely player on this list to eventually win one. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There's no better stage to make a name for yourself than the All-Star Game. That's what Torii Hunter did in '02 when he robbed Barry Bonds of a home run at Miler Park, to create one of the most memorable catches in All-Star Game history. Spiderman was born. Hunter would win nine straight Gold Gloves and became a household name after that moment. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dan Uggla was an all-bat, power-hitting second baseman not too long ago. Because he wasn't known for his contact skills, it was a surprise to most people when he went on a 33-game hit streak in the summer of 2011. Uggla was in the first year as a Brave and he was hitting just .173 before the hit streak. How would Uggla's game translate to today's MLB? All this on today's episode.
Cody Ross went from being a late-season waiver wire pickup to leading the Giants to a World Series victory in 2010. Ross was a late injury replacement to the Giants' postseason starting lineup, but he exceeded all expectations. His five postseason home runs all seemed to come in huge moments, including two in the same game off the great Roy Halladay. All this on today's episode.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has said that "baseball will be back". But when? At this point, MLB executives believe the best case scenario appears to be June, but July seems more likely. Scott Boras has offered proposals for each scenario, which would include several doubleheaders and expanded rosters in order to maximize the number of games played. Under his proposals, the playoffs would extend into December. We discuss the benefits and drawback of different strategies. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Noah Syndergaard will be getting Tommy John surgery. He'll be out for all of the 2020 season and most likely part of the 2021 season. Is this a blessing in disguise for Thor? He's set to become a free agent after the 2021 season, so his return next year will be a big audition for him. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It would take a player a little more than 16 straight seasons of playing every single game, to break Cal Ripken Jr.'s streak of 2,632 consecutive games played. It's probably safe to say that won't ever happen. Ripken became the the all-time leader in consecutive games played on September 6, 1995 when he passed Lou Gehrig. It was a unique type of record because everybody knew exactly when it would occur. What was that season like in Baltimore? All this on today's episode.
As we're joined by some special guests today, we take advantage of the extended offseason to discuss some hot button topics. Who is one player that hasn’t lived up to their potential due to injuries? Was the Astros tanking method a brilliant strategy, or were they just lucky in the draft? Mike Trout has the best overall skillset in baseball history, but he is arguably not the GOAT. Who is? When will we see baseball start back up again? A shortened season could finally allow us to see expanded playing time for Shohei Ohtani. All this (and more) on today’s episode.
In May 2011, Buster Posey suffered a season-ending injury due to a collision at home plate from Scott Cousins of the Marlins. Cousins was trying to knock the ball loose and score on a sac fly. He succeeded. Posey suffered a fracture and tore ligaments, but was fortunately able to bounce back in a big way the following year - he won the MVP and batting title while leading the Giants to their second World Series victory in three years. Buster Posey's injury prompted MLB to implement a new rule sliding into home plate. All this on today's episode.
Raul Ibanez was a very good player. He had a long, consistent career and provided great offensive value. By 2012, Ibanez was near the end of his career, but he put the Yankees on his back in the playoffs. We take a look at how Raul Ibanez became a Yankees postseason legend. All this on today's episode.
Chris Sale will undergo Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox left-hander just hasn't looked the same for over a year. He's dealt with a myriad of injuries and setbacks now, and this is an opportune time to get such a surgery because the status of the 2020 season is still unknown. Was this predictable and is Sale simply over the hill? The Giants announced that Tyler Beede will also be getting Tommy John, as he was looking to become a truly established big-leaguer this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bill Buckner will always be remembered for his error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Most of that blame was unfair because the game was tied and there was no guarantee the Red Sox would have won even if he did make the play. He became a scapegoat for a frustrated fanbase dealing with the "Curse of the Bambino". How does that moment compare to Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, where the Texas Rangers were one strike away from winning it all, but David Freese hit a game-tying triple just beyond the reach of Nelson Cruz? Should Cruz have caught it? All this on today's episode.
A look at the list of Major Leaguers who came from the 2011 MLB Draft class is eye-popping. Many of the game's biggest stars today were drafted that year. It's not unusual for first rounders to never make the MLB, so it's surprising when the majority of them from one class turn out to be household names. Arguably the best player in that year's draft - Mookie Betts - wasn't drafted until the fifth round. All this on today's episode.
Jose Bautista's bat flip in Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS was nothing ordinary. It was an exclamation point on a controversial inning and was an epic "ball don't lie" moment. Since then, bat flipping has become more widely accepted and fewer pitchers act salty about it. Did Bautista's bat flip impact baseball etiquette and culture? All this on today's episode.
Did a swarm of insects impact the course of Yankees history? Game 2 of the 2007 ALDS is remembered as "The Bug Game" because of the insects that invaded Jacobs field and particularly tormented Joba Chamberlain as he tried to pitch in relief of a close game. The Indians would win that series and Joe Torre would lose his job as Yankees manager. All this on today's episode.
Armando Galarraga threw a perfect game once. It doesn't show up in the record books, but everyone knows he did it. With two outs in the ninth inning, Galarraga's perfecto was taken away by a blown call at first base by umpire Jim Joyce. There was no instant replay in baseball at the time. Should the Commissioner have overturned the call? All this on today's episode.
George Brett was an elite player throughout his career. He's a Hall of Famer. However, most people who know of him primarily do because of the Pine Tar Incident. After hitting a go-ahead home run for the Royals with two outs in the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium, Brett was called out for having too much pine tar on his bat. This led to a massive outburst and the game was eventually protested, resumed, and won by the Royals the following month. What went into the League's decision? How did the Yankees try to sabotage the Royals' protest? All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB was suspended Spring Training and delayed the start of the regular season by at least two weeks. Opening Day was previously slated to be March 26, but that has been pushed back due to the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic. MLB is not alone, as seemingly every sports league in the US has been suspended. All this on today's episode.
As several sports leagues around the world suspend play and impose restrictions on fan attendance, eyes are shifting towards Major League Baseball. The MLB season is still slated to kick off in two weeks, but that is not a guarantee at this point. The Mariners, A's and Giants are facing scheduling concerns due to restrictions on public gatherings in their cities. Pete Alonso got a hefty raise from the Mets, giving him the highest salary for any 2nd-year player ever. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's pretty much safe to say Felix Hernandez will make the Braves rotation now. What kind of season will he have. Did Orlando Arcia suddenly become a consistent hitter? Kenley Jansen has been disappointing for a couple years now, but perhaps his winter at Driveline Baseball has changed that. Noah Syndergaard had a down year in 2019, but the early returns are good so far this Spring. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Francisco Lindor and the Indians have tabled extension talks for now. Lindor made it clear that he wanted to halt negotiations ahead of the season so that it doesn't become a distraction. He'll go where the money is. Clayton Kershaw has been named the Dodgers' Opening Day starter for the 9th time in his career. Buehler and Price will take the #2 and #3 spots, respectively. Kershaw's velocity is up a few ticks so far in the Spring. All this (and more) on today's episode.
A good catcher can get more strike calls by receiving the ball well. More catchers are adjusting the stance so that they are on one knee rather than a regular crouch. This makes it tougher to block balls in the dirt, but is the tradeoff worth it? MLB is taking precautions towards protecting players from the coronavirus, but the regular season is still scheduled to begin later this month as planned, with fans in the seats. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Twins and Tigers took part in the first Spring Training game played in the Dominican Republic in 20 years. Miguel Sano, a Dominican native, thrilled the crowd with a two-run home run. MLB is making a concerted effort to play more games outside the US. If he stays healthy, King Felix has a very good chance to make the Braves rotation. All this on today's episode.
Why do teams beat around the bush when it comes to young pitchers needing surgery? If it's clear that a pitcher has elbow pain and concerning medical results, it's probably better to get the surgery sooner rather than later. The Angels faced this dilemma with Shohei Ohtani, and they seem to be experiencing the same with Griffin Canning. Aaron Judge has a stress fracture in his rib, but the Yankees are hoping rest will heal it... for now. Travis Demeritte and Miguel Cabrera went back-to-back off Gerrit Cole... twice. All this on today's episode.
Yoan Moncada has agreed to a 5-year, $70 million extension with the White Sox. Moncada enjoyed a breakout year in 2019 where he finally lived up to the lofty expectations he was given as the former #1 overall prospect in baseball. The White Sox are locked and loaded with young talent. The Red Sox signed Collin McHugh, who is only a year removed from a dominant season with Houston. All this on today's episode.
We've been seeing a lot of players get mic'd up during games, and it's been a big hit. Being able to hear conversations between players and broadcasters adds plenty of content to games and kills dead time between plays. Can this kind of set-up be used in the regular season, or will it be too much of a distraction? Yoelkis Cespedes has officially been declared a free agent. What does he bring to the table and when will he sign? All this on today's episode.
Christian Yelich and the Brewers are nearing a 9-year, $215 million extension. While this is certainly a hometown discount, both parties will be glad to lock things down for the long term. Yelich is the second-best hitter in baseball and a fan favorite in Milwaukee. All this (and more) on today's episode.
If you no longer interest teams as a position player, maybe it's time to become a pitcher. That's what Jose Bautista and Anthony Gose are doing. Bautista, the former Blue Jays slugger, is attempting to make a comeback as a two-way player. How much does he have left in the tank at age 39? Anthony Gose is much younger at 29, and he's already been on the mound for the Indians in Spring Training. He can run his fastball up to 98 mph and has a filthy slider from the left side. All this on today's episode.
There are some interesting position battles taking shape in Spring Training. Whether it's filling a void created by injury, or deciding whether or not to unleash your top prospect, there are usually tough decisions to be made for every ballclub in the Spring. We take a look at the most intriguing position battles this year.
Don't look now, but Chris Davis is on a hot streak. Yes it's just Spring Training, but anything will do after two straight years of hitting below the Mendoza line. Davis says he gained 25 lbs during the offseason in an attempt to get back to his old self. Will he provide any real value to the Orioles this year? Kenta Maeda asked for a trade because he wants to win 200 games between both Japan and the MLB. Can he average 14 wins per year for the next 4 years? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Players on 40-man rosters (but not in the Major Leagues) will now be allowed to compete in the Tokyo Games as well as the two qualifying tournaments before it. This means top prospects such as Wander Franco, Cristian Pache, Jo Adell, and Nate Pearson will be allowed to play for their countries. Baseball is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2008, and this will increase the talent level across the board. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Lorenzo Cain is a prime bounce-back candidate for 2020. Coming off a career year in 2018, Cain had a steep drop-off in offensive production in 2019. A deep dive into advanced metrics show that Cain was actually hitting the ball harder than ever and had a similar batted ball profile to the previous year. His sprint speed was down, but was that due to age, his nagging injuries, or both? What can we expect from Lorenzo Cain this year? All this on today's episode.
Just the day after Luis Severino was announced to be getting Tommy John surgery, the Yankees announed that Giancarlo Stanton suffered a Grade 1 calf strain. Stanton's status for Opening Day is in jeopardy. The Brewers have extended Freddy Peralta to a 5-year, $15.5 million deal. Tim Tebow will represent the Phillipines at the World Baseball Classic. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Luis Severino will get Tommy John surgery on Thursday. He will miss all of the 2020 season, and perhaps some of the 2021 season. Who will be the Yankees fifth starter? Nate Pearson might be the next big thing in Toronto. Tim Tebow homered for the Mets yesterday. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Madison Bumgarner is a country boy at heart. He's a great enough baseball player to be a 4-time All-Star, 3-time World Series champion, and secure an $85 million contract, but that hasn't stopped him from pursuing his hobbies off the field. Pictures taken last December show Bumgarner competing in a rodeo competition. He was using the alias "Mason Saunders", and says he has been calf roping since he was 15 years old. What else could MadBum be up to? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Miguel Andujar is back on the field. After missing most of last season with a shoulder injury, the 2018 runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year is homered just 3 at-bats into his Spring Training return. Andujar reminds us of his great power, but will he have a job? The Mets really might have the best rotation in baseball. Lonnie Chisenhall is retiring after battling some injuries through his 8-year career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
According to Tony Clark, the executive director of the MLB Player's Association, the union would prefer for the Rays to stay in Tampa Bay. Last summer, the Rays announced the idea of splitting their season between Montreal and Tampa Bay. Lots of fans in Montreal would love to have baseball back in their city, but would the logistics of this make sense? The White Sox have extended reliever Aaron Bummer. Armed with a 96mph sinker from the left side, Bummer is one of the premier groundball artists in the game. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mitch Garver was one of baseball's best hitters last year. That might sound weird, but it's true. In just 359 plate appearances, Garver put up a 156 OPS+ and .995 OPS to go along with 31 home runs. Where did this come from? Garver won a Silver Slugger for his efforts, but can he do it again? All this on today's episode.
Luis Severino has been shut down. The Yankees right-hander is experiencing forearm discomfort which dates back to his ALCS Game 3 start in October. A year after being limited to just 20.3 total innings, Severino's status for Opening Day is a big question mark. Juan Soto knows exactly what he needs to do to improve. That makes for a fun thought experiment because Soto is already one of the premier bats in baseball - at age 21. Adding more tools to his game would put him in the perennial All-Star/MVP conversation. All this (and more) on today's episode.
After three years of searching for a stable solution at the leadoff spot, the Cubs have named Kris Bryant as their table-setter for this upcoming season. The Cubs will be able to start games off with a bang and Bryant's career .385 OBP should get the job done. Miguel Sano is excited to join forces with Josh Donaldson. Another healthy year for Sano is just what the Twins need to set their bomb squad in motion. The Yankees have not yet discussed an extension with DJ LeMahieu, who is in the final year of his contract. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's been a rough week for Rob Manfred. MLB's Commissioner has taken some serious heat for his decisions regarding the Astros sign-stealing scandal and his comments after the fact. Baseball's biggest stars, and even LeBron, have spoken out directly about the Commissioner's decision to not punish any Astros players. Why did Manfred grant the players immunity? How much, if any, damage is this doing to baseball? All this (and more) on today's episode.
LA Angels owner Arte Moreno confirmed that he was the one who cancelled the trade that would have brought Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling to Anaheim. That's not the only "so-close" moment of the Angels' offseason, because they reportedly made a large offer to Gerrit Cole as well (8 years, $300 million) before being outbid by the Yankees. Brock Holt is taking his many gloves up to Milwaukee. The super utility man will provide defensive versatility and very good patience at the plate. The Braves promoted Alex Anthopoulos to president of baseball operations, and gave both him and manager Brian Snitker an extension. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Who is the most underrated player at each position? Each player must have never been an All-Star or a finalist for any major award. Is Yoan Moncada the next superstar 3B? When discussing the game's best closers, don't sleep on Taylor Rogers. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Christian Yelich participated in the NBA Dunk Contest. He wasn't dunking, but he served as a prop for Pat Connaughton. A former baseball player himself, Connaughton was a 4th round pick for the Orioles in 2014 and pitched in their minor league system that summer. Although Yelich's appearance was brief, moments on big stages like this help market baseball - something MLB desperately needs to improve on. How else can baseball be marketed better to attract more fans? All this on today's episode?
Jeremy Hellickson has decided to retire. Rather than undergo shoulder surgery and a lengthy rehab process, Hellickson has hung up his cleats after a 10-year MLB career with a Rookie of the Year award, a Gold Glove, and a World Series ring. Josh Hader lost is arbitration case to the Brewers. Hader argues that his heavy usage in various situations throughout ballgames reflects new-school strategy, while arbitration is focused on old school stats (holds and saves). Does MLB need to change its standard for evaluating relief pitcher pay? Does Zack Wheeler have beef with the Mets? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Astros players have finally spoken up about the sign-stealing scandal. Players like Bregman and Altuve offered apologies for the cheating scandal. When asked about using electronic buzzers, the players all strongly denied it. Will we ever know why Altuve was grabbing his jersey after that walkoff HR? What is the league-wide reaction? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Ben Zobrist has no plans to play in 2020. The 38 year old utilityman is coming off the final year of his contract with the Cubs. If this is indeed the end of a career for Zobrist, he put together a fine one. Zobrist always seemed to fly under the radar because his skills weren't flashy (despite a career 116 wRC+). He had elite plate discipline and was a great baserunner. A three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Zobrist is certainly one of the greatest utilitymen of all time. Taijuan Walker is going back to Seattle. The big right-hander agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the club he debuted for. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA projections have been released. PECOTA is a system that projects team performance based on roster, injuries, playing time, etc. How does each team rank? All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB has proposed a new playoff format. The new format would expand the total number of playoff teams from 10 to 14. The 7 teams from each league would be the three division winners, and the 4 teams with the next-best records. The no. 1 seed in each league gets a bye and advances straight to the Division Series, while the 2-4 seeds choose their opponents among the 5-7 seeds. Is this new format good for baseball? We discuss all the details on today's episode.
The deal sending Mookie Betts to LA is finally complete. In return for Mookie and David Price, the Red Sox will receive Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong. Could we see a kid named Jeter playing for the Red Sox in the near future? We dive into Downs' skillset and what immediately makes him the top prospect in the Red Sox organization. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Mookie Megadeal is on hold. After balking at Brusdar Graterol's medical records, the Red Sox sought additional compensation from the Twins. The Twins would not agree, so they are seemingly out of the deal entirely. As of now, there is no deal, but the Red Sox and Dodgers could work something out on their own, or an entirely new team might join the picture. The Padres have traded Manuel Margot for the Rays' Emilio Pagan. Can Tampa Bay make something out of Margot? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Less than a week after signing Pablo Sandoval, the San Francisco Giants are bringing back another fan favorite. Hunter Pence has agreed to a 1-year, $3 million deal with the Giants. Pence was a key part of two championships with SF, and he'll help put some some fans in the seats during what will be a rebuilding year for the Giants. We preview some of the upcoming Spring Training position battles, as many teams still have a few holes to fill. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Max Muncy has agreed to a 3-year, $26 million deal with the Dodgers. Muncy was a late bloomer, but nobody will question the fact that he's one of baseball's premier power threats. The Indians are interested in Domingo Santana. Their outfield needs a lot of help. Could Santana be a bounce-back candidate? The Red Sox are seeking additional compensation because Brusdar Graterol's medical records make him profile more as a reliever than a starter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Angels traded for Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling, and all it took was Luis Rengifo. Rengifo has a great glove, but the Angels have a more pressing need for pitching as well as a corner outfielder. The Yankees just can't seem to avoid the injury bug. After placing a record number of players on the injured list last season, they just lost James Paxton until May or June. Paxton is entering a contract year. All this on today's episode.
Mookie Betts has been traded to the LA Dodgers. The Dodgers landed Mookie in a three-team blockbuster with the Red Sox and Twins. LA receives Mookie Betts and David Price, Boston receives Alex Verdugo and Brusdar Graterol, and the Twins receive Kenta Maeda. Were the Red Sox being cheap, or was this wise strategy? Who won this trade? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Marco Gonzales has agreed to a four-year $30 million extension with the Seattle Mariners. Gonzales will be at the top of the Mariners' pitching staff, and they'll look for him to be an innings-eater. He won't blow any hitters away or induce a bunch of groundballs, but he will keep hitters off-balance with a steady mix of pitches. The Astros have named James Click as their next general manager. Click comes from the Rays organization, and his analytical background will fit right in to the Astros' philosophy. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's quite rare for an established player to spend their entire career with one team. In this day and age of free agency, arbitration, and an overall youth movement in baseball, it's tough to stick around for over a decade. We examine the 10 active players with the longest tenures on the same team they debuted with. Will Ryan Zimmerman get a statue outside Nats Park some day? Where does Yadier Molina rank among the all-time greats? All this on today's episode.
Francisco Lindor has spoken about his contract situation. He wants to be in Cleveland, but like anybody else, he wants to be fairly compensated. Lindor has two more years of club control. Will the Indians be willing to dole out the cash Lindor is looking for? All this on today's episode.
Curtis Granderson has decided to hang up his cleats. The Grandy Man was a triples machine in his early days with the Detroit Tigers. Upon arriving in New York, he discovered Yankee Stadium's short porch and turned in back-to-back 40 HR seasons. Granderson was an elite offensive player and defender in his prime. His accomplishments off the field stack up to his baseball prowess; Granderson has made significant contributions to several cities and communities he's been a part of. From donating $5 million to UIC's baseball program, to sponsoring programs to help inner-city youth, Granderson is quite the philanthropist. Grandy's four Marvin Miller Man of the Year awards and Roberto Clemente award were well earned. All this on today's episode.
The LA Dodgers have appeared in the sweepstakes for Mookie Betts. LA has a rare combination of minor league and major league talent, which uniquely positions them to take advantage of this opportunity. They could afford to wait until the price gets lower at the trade deadline in July, but will Mookie still be a Red Sox at that time (Boston could trade with San Diego instead)? All this on today's episode.
Dusty Baker will be the next manager of the Houston Astros. Baker will bring an old-school approach and veteran presence to a club that needs to navigate the fallout of this offseason's events. The general framework for a Mookie Betts deal to the Padres is in place, but will the Red Sox really pursue it? Pablo Sandoval is returning to the Giants on a minor league deal. We discuss what it means for Kris Bryant to lose his grievance case against the Cubs for service time manipulation. All this (and more) on today's episode.
There's something about the Braves and young, toolsy outfielders. Expect to see Cristian Pache and Drew Waters in Atlanta this year. The Cubs have a knack for developing hitters, but they'll need to groom more pitching if they want to return to the big stage. Gavin Lux and Dustin May lead the Dodgers' top prospect list, and they might be front-runners for the Rookie of the Year award. The Dodgers have a rare ability to maintain elite talent at both the major and minor league level. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It's been a busy off-season for the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds have signed Nicholas Castellanos to a 4-year, $64 million deal. Castellanos' deal has an opt-out clause after each of the first two years, which means he has every incentive to come out of the gate strongly. The Reds now have a bunch of extra outfielders - does it make sense to trade Nick Senzel? Starling Marte is one of the top center fielders in baseball. He'll be heading to Arizona as the D-Backs try to build off a strong season last year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and daughter Alyssa, were among those who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Sunday that also killed Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Altobelli was the head baseball coach at Orange Coast College, and had formerly coached future big league stars like Jeff McNeil and Aaron Judge on the Cape Cod League. We discuss Kobe's impact on the world of sports and how he is a role model for all types of athletes. All this on today's episode.
MLB's Top 100 prospect list is out. Led by an 18-year old shortstop with an 80-grade hit tool (Wander Franco), the Rays are the best-represented on this list. Nate Pearson's triple-digit fastball will play pretty nicely in Toronto this year. Where do the former #1 overall draft picks rank? Is Adley Rutschman really the best catching prospect in almost two decades? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mr. National is coming back. It's only fitting that Ryan Zimmerman, the face of the franchise, will return for another year with the Nats. Washington has brought back several pieces from last year's team as they try to run it back. Trevor Story has agreed to a 2-year, $27.5 million deal with the Rockies, which buys out his remaining arbitration years. Story is an offensive juggernaut with an elite power-speed combination, and he doesn't get enough credit for it. What does it mean to be Wally Pipped? Miguel Andujar knows. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Padres and Red Sox are discussing a deal for Mookie Betts. Wil Myers and prospects would head to Boston in this scenario, but the issue is how much of Myers' salary the Red Sox are willing to eat. Both sides do not appear close at this point in time. Luis Rojas will be the next Mets manager. Despite wanting to trade him, Brian Cashman has said J.A. Happ will begin the season as the Yankees' fifth starter. All this on today's episode.
For every Francisco Lindor, Xander Bogaerts, or Carlos Correa, there is a similar prospect waiting in the wings somewhere. Who will be the next elite shortstops at the MLB level? Gavin Lux has a case for Rookie of the Year, but he sits behind Wander Franco (Rays) on this list. Does Franco truly have an 80-grade hit tool? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The results are in! Derek Jeter and Larry Walker have been elected to the Hall of Fame. Should Jeter really have been a near-unanimous selection? Six years ago, Larry Walker only gained 10.2% of the vote (75% is the cutoff). It's plausible that Walker was helped tremendously by digital media, which spread awareness for Hall of Fame case very rapidly. Marcell Ozuna has agreed to a 1-year $18 million deal with the Atlanta Braves. He'll look to fill the middle-of-the-order void left by Josh Donaldson. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Felix Hernandez has agreed to a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves. King Felix had spent his entire career with the Mariners, but he is leaving his kingdom to explore other lands. Felix will earn $1 million if he's added to the 40-man roster. Nolan Arenado is unhappy with his ballclub. It's not the trade rumors that concern him, but he doesn't like how the Rockies have done nothing to improve this offseason. Coming off a big contract extension, where he was told they'd work to contend, Arenado feels that they haven't held up their end of the bargain. Nolan has a full no-trade clause and an opt-out after 2021. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Red Sox' asking price for Mookie Betts is very high. Any deal for Mookie must include David Price and his big contract, and the Red Sox want 2 high-end prospects in return. At that cost, we should fully expect to see Betts in a Red Sox uniform on Opening Day. Alex Gordon is returning to the Kansas City Royals, and it only makes sense. Will Dusty Baker get a managerial job this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Bue Jays see their young infielders (Guerrero, Bichette, and Biggio) as franchise cornerstones. But that won't stop them from adding some depth, as they have signed Joe Panik to be a complementary piece. The Mets are inquiring about Starling Marte again. Would it make sense for Pittsburgh to cash in now? With his first healthy offseason in years, Alex Reyes looks to earn a spot in the Cardinals rotation. All this (and more) on today's episode.
We've long heard about Byron Buxton's immense potential. What does that potential look like at this point? Buxton has battled injuries throughout his career. If he's healthy, he'll provide the Twins with a lot of value in center field, and maybe with his bat. Carlos Zambrano has decided to hang up his cleats once again. Big Z spent last season playing independent league ball, trying to make a comeback. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yet another whirlwind of news has unfolded in the aftermath of the cheating scandal. Carlos Beltran is out as Mets manager. The Mets fired Beltran before he managed a single game. Was Jose Altuve wearing a buzzer that signaled which pitch was coming? Alyssa Nakken made history by becoming the first woman to join an MLB coaching staff. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Blue Jays introduced Shun Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi is a right-handed pitcher who will likely make their starting rotation right away. His signature pitch is a sinker and he's versatile enough to pitch in late-inning situations as well. With Donaldson off the market, the best remaining bats are Nicholas Castellanos and Marcell Ozuna. Which teams desperately need one of these bats? All this on today's episode.
Josh Donaldson has agreed to a 4-year, $92 million deal with the Minnesota Twins. The Bringer of Rain will take his talents to Minneapolis, where his gap-to-gap swing will play well at Target Field. Pairing him with Nelson Cruz in the middle of the lineup will give the Twins a dynamic duo - as long as they stay healthy. The Red Sox have fired Alex Cora in the aftermath of the results from Houston's cheating scandal. Cora's punishment from MLB is pending. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Major League Baseball has concluded its investigation of the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. In a 9-page report by Commissioner Rob Manfred, MLB detailed the cheating process that took place in Houston, including the illegal use of video footage to steal signs. Astros manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow have been suspended without pay for 1 year. Both men have since been fired from the Astros. The Astros will lose first and second round picks in each of the next two drafts, and be fined $5 million (max allowed by the league constitution). Was this punishment harsh enough? All this (and more) on today's episode.
After a year with the Reds, Alex Wood is going back to Cali. Wood's lone All-Star appearance came with the Dodgers in 2017. He joins a rotation with many pieces as the Dodgers look to replace the value of Hyun-Jin Ryu, who signed with Toronto. Todd Frazier signed with the Rangers. The Rangers have had a gap at 3B since Adrian Beltre retired and Frazier should give them league-average production at that spot. What will it take for the Rockies to trade Nolan Arenado, and could we see it happen in the next few weeks? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Anthony Rizzo and Shin-Soo Choo should enter the top 20 list for most career hit-by-pitches. Dee Gordon might get caught stealing for the 100th time. Which player has grounded into the most double plays in history, and will be a first ballot Hall of Famer? What other weird milestones will we see in the 2020 season? All this on today's episode.
Several players reached agreements with their clubs and received strong arbitration salaries. Mookie Betts' $27 million deal is the highest ever. Cody Bellinger received $11.5 million, which is the most for a first-time eligible player. It pays to be a young MVP. Will George Springer win his case against the Astros? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Tampa Bay Rays are the best at getting the most out of their players. They do this by using matchups to their advantage and putting players in their situations to succeed. The Rays just traded for Jose Martinez and it looks like they'll do just that. Martinez mashes lefties and will provide an upgrade to their lineup, which needed right-handed bats. In return, the Cardinals received top LHP prospect Matthew Liberatore. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Salary arbitration is when players with 3 or more years of MLB service time can negotiate salaries based on comparable players who have signed contracts in recent seasons. If a player and the team do not reach an agreement, the case goes to a hearing. A panel of arbitrators hear arguments from both sides and then select either the player's salary figure or the club's, with no middle ground. Will Mookie Betts get the biggest arbitration salary ever? Aaron Judge is a key for the Yankees, but how will his injury history impact his first-time arbitration salary? All this (and more) on today's episode.
MLB's sign-stealing controversy has now extended to another team: the Boston Red Sox. According to a report by The Athletic, the Red Sox allegedly stole signs during the 2018 season through their video replay room. Boston's system was similar to the Astros', but signs were relayed manually via baserunner. All eyes are on Alex Cora since he is the common denominator between the '17 Astros and '18 Red Sox. All this on today's episode.
Is Jose Iglesias really an upgrade to any team at the MLB level? The Orioles think so; he'll be their new shortstop, which gives Richie Martin some more time to develop in the minor leagues. The Padres have re-signed Craig Stammen and he should hold things down in the middle innings. Stammen has quietly been one of baseball's best relievers over the past few years. The Nationals continue their busy winter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Once upon a time, the prototypical shortstop was a light-hitting defensive anchor. Ozzie Smith is the perfect example of this. Should defense alone be enough to enter the Hall of Fame? All this on today's episode.
The Nationals aren't resting on their laurels. They signed Will Harris (3 years, $24 million), Starlin Castro (2 years, $12 million), and Asdrubal Cabrera (1 year, $2.5 million) over the last couple days. Harris will serve as an anchor for a bullpen that needed improvement. Castro and Cabrera are solid infielders who will be in line for every-day playing time. The Nats still have an offer on the table for Josh Donaldson, but they've created backup plans in case the slugger signs elsewhere. All this (and more) on today's episode.
More details have emerged about the cause of Yoenis Cespedes' off-the-field injury last year. Apparently Cespedes fractured his ankle while trying to sidestep a wild boar on his ranch. What other weird injuries have baseball players suffered? Injuring your wrist while playing guitar hero? What about spraining a lower back ligament while sneezing. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Luis Robert has agreed to a 6-year $50 million extension with the Chicago White Sox. This is a record amount of money for a player with no MLB service time, but is Robert selling himself short? What is the impact of a player taking a deal that he might outperform? The White Sox are serious about 2020, and their moves this offseason show that. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The 2011 season culminated in one of the most dramatic slate of games ever. Evan Longoria sent the Rays to the playoffs with a walk-off home run in extra innings. This was a postseason clincher because the Red Sox had just completed a historic collapse just moments before. What exactly happened in September 2011? We look into the details on today's episode.
Rich Hill and Homer Bailey have each agreed to 1-year deals with the Minnesota Twins. Hill will earn $3 million in guaranteed money, with $9.5 million in incentives. Homer Bailey will earn $7 million in guaranteed money. Can Rich Hill stay healthy enough for the Twins to realize his value? Homer Bailey enjoyed a bounce-back year and should slot in as a decent mid-rotation piece. The Twins have a 4-year offer on the table for Josh Donaldson. All this on today's episode.
The Cincinnati Reds have signed Shogo Akiyama to a 3-year deal. Akiyama profiles as a table-setter with some pop. With an OBP of at least .385 in each of his last 5 years, and an average of 23 homers over the last three years, Akiyama has plenty of upside. What will the Reds do with their outfield alignment now that they have Senzel, Akiyama, Winker, Aquido, and Ervin? The Diamondbacks signed Kole Calhoun, and their incremental additions make them a candidate for playoff contention next year. All this on today's episode.
We take a look at some pitchers who made their Major-League debuts this year. Most of these guys only saw limited action, but flashed impressive peripheral stats. How can a guy who throws almost all four-seam fastballs be so effective? Can you really survive throwing only 82 mph with a funky release point? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The biggest benefit to a hitter at the plate is to know what pitch is coming. That didn't seem to help many batters when facing Mariano Rivera. Mo threw his cutter more often than now, and hitters (especially lefties) often knew it was coming. Yet, Rivera rode this pitch into becoming baseball's first unanimous Hall of Fame selection. All this on today's episode.
The past decade started with the Giants winning three World Series in five years. Was this a dynasty? Some people would say "no" because they never really had a dominant team (averaged 87 wins per year). Others would say "yes" because championships are the ultimate result. What led to the Giants even-year magic? All this on today's episode.
For as long as baseball has been around, we've pretty much seen it all. However, there are always some unique occurrences that show up from time to time. Who has the most doubles in a six-hit game, or who was the first pitcher to strike out fifteen batters while allowing three home runs? Imagine entering the game as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth, and ending up with four hits, a double, and a home run. All this on today's episode.
Rickey Henderson just turned 61 years old, so we take a look back at the career of the greatest leadoff hitter of all time. Rickey was pimping home runs long before it was made popular. He made the baseball field look like a playground because he just toyed with defenses. What would it look like for someone to break Rickey's all-time stolen base record? We discuss some fun facts about the Man of Steal. All this on today's episode.
Dellin Betances is a New Yorker through and through. After agreeing to a 1-year, $10.5 million deal with the Mets, Betances stays in the one city he's known his whole life. As one of the best strikeout artists in the game, the Mets are hoping Betances can reach full health in time for the season. The Mets roster has some big names on it, but will the production be there? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Francisco Lindor is a bona-fide superstar. The young Indians shortstop has been at the center of trade talks this offseason. It seems crazy that Cleveland might trade their franchise player - or does it? What would it mean if the Indians traded Lindor, and what could they get in return? All this on today's episode.
Hyun-Jin Ryu has agreed to a 4-year, $80 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. The sizable deal comes at a bit of a surprise, considering Ryu's injury history. The Blue Jays are betting on his health and the fact that he was one of baseball's best pitchers last season, as they look to create a window to contend. Toronto also signed Travis Shaw to a 1-year, $4 million deal. That signing gives the Blue Jays an infield full of sons of former MLB players who were (at minimum) two-time All Stars. All this on today's episode.
Dallas Keuchel has finally gotten some long-term security. Keuchel has agreed to a 3-year, $55.5 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. It includes is a fourth year option which could make the deal 4 years, $74 million if he pitches 160 innings in '21 and '22. The White Sox are ready to contend in 2020. What other pieces do they need? The Mets have restructured Yoenis Cespedes' contract due to an ankle fracture he suffered on his ranch, which was separate from the baseball-related injuries he was already recovering from. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. entered the year as one of the most hyped prospects in a few years. When you tear up minor league pitching and are the son of a Hall of Famer, there's going to be some fanfare surrounding your debut. Vlad didn't live up to the hype in his first season, but does that mean he's a bust? What does Vlad need to do to meet his lofty ceiling? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Angels are bolstering their pitching staff by signing Julio Teheran to a 1-year, $9 million deal. He'll slide right into the top of their rotation because they still have a lot of improvements to make in that area. Shohei Ohtani has completed him rehab from Tommy John surgery. What will his usage look like in 2020? After being traded from the White Sox twice in his career, Gio Gonzalez is back in Chicago. Is the third time the charm? All this (and more) on today's episode.
For a generation, anybody with even a little familiarity with baseball knew of Derek Jeter. As the captain of a Yankees dynasty, the author of memorable postseason moments, and the inspiration for so many kids playing shortstop, Derek Jeter was baseball's icon. Was Derek Jeter overrated as a player though? Some people will point to his suspect defense or his lack of MVPs and batting titles to contend that he shouldn't be a first ballot Hall of Famer. But don't forget that Jeter has a top-20 offensive WAR and was an incredibly consistent hitter. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Larry Walker is the greatest player to ever wear a Colorado Rockies uniform. However, that statement always seems to raise some eyebrows when discussing Hall of Fame voting. It's no secret that Rockies hitters have received extra scrutiny when compared to players on other teams. With 7 Gold Gloves, 3 Silver Sluggers, 5 All-Star appearances, 3 batting titles, an MVP, and a higher career WAR than several Hall of Famers, Larry Walker needs a huge boost to be inducted this year. Will he make it? All this on today's episode.
Despite all odds, the Washington Nationals finished 2019 as the last team standing. Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto were dynamic breakout stars in the lineup, while Scherzer, Strasburg, and Corbin held it down for the pitchers. The only real blemish the Nats had was their bullpen, which they masked by riding their big arms down the stretch. Is Juan Soto poised for superstardom? What should we expect from the Nats next year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Madison Bumgarner has agreed to a 5-year, $85 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. One of the most dominant and decorated pitchers of the past decade, MadBum brings veteran experience and a winning pedigree to Arizona. He'll bring his bat with him too, because who doesn't enjoy watching MadBum hit? Corey Kluber has been traded to the Texas Rangers in return for Delino DeShields Jr. and Emmanuel Clase. What does the two-time Cy Young winner have left in the tank? All this on today's episode.
The Houston Astros were baseball's most dominant team throughout the 2019 regular season. Armed with six All-Stars, they amassed the most wins and highest team WAR in the MLB. Things got even better when they added Zack Greinke at the trade deadline. Yordan Alvarez ran away with the Rookie of the Year in about half a season. Justin Verlander threw his third career no-hitter en route to his second Cy Young award. Oh, and Gerrit Cole and Alex Bregman had pretty decent seasons too.... All this (and more) on today's episode.
The LA Dodgers had another dominant year as they cruised to yet another NL West title and a record of 106-56. Cody Bellinger produced an MVP season and some prospects got a good taste of MLB action. Max Muncy showed us that he wasn't a one-season wonder. The Dodgers use platoons and matchups as well as anyone, but make no mistake about it - they have lots of talented players. The Dodgers have perhaps the most complete team in baseball. So what will it take to put them over the top in October? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Despite placing a record number of players on the injured list this year, the Yankees went 103-59 and never really hit a rough patch. The Yankees employed a next-man-up mentality and seemed to unearth several diamonds in the rough. DJ Lemahieu put together a sensational campaign, shutting up the doubters who said he was a product of Coors field. Gleyber Torres became a superstar. By adding Gerrit Cole, the Yankees have likely put themselves over the top. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Another marquee free agent is off the board. Anthony Rendon has agreed to a 7-year, $245 million deal with the LA Angels. Guys like Rendon don't become available too often, so it's understandable why the Angels signed him. However, they'll need to bolster their pitching staff (see Bumgarner, Ryu, Keuchel) if they want to even crack a .500 record. Despite his rough 2019, Blake Treinen got a 1-year $10 million deal from the Dodgers. Is Blake Treinen a case study for relief pitchers being overused? Adam Jones is heading to Japan. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Gerrit Cole has agreed to a 9-year, $324 million deal with the Yankees. The Yankees get their guy, and this signing just might put them over the top. It's worth noting that the Yankees have been trying to acquire Gerrit Cole since 2008 when they selected him in the first round of the draft out of high school. They also tried to trade for him a few years ago but were outbid by the Astros. Cole's contract has an opt-out clause after 5 years.... Could he make even more money? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Detroit Tigers selected Andre Lipcius in the 3rd round of the 2019 Draft largely because he has a great bat. Andre starred at the University of Tennessee, where he majored in nuclear engineering. Having supportive teammates, like his twin brother, helped him balance a tough major with his ambition of becoming a Major Leaguer. Having an affinity for math and developing it since an early age helps too. What does Andre believe will most help him adapt to pro ball and make his way to Detroit? What factors contributed to a power stroke that helped him launch 17 home runs in his final college season? Having led Tennessee back to the NCAA Tournament last year, is their program ready to take the next step? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Atlanta Braves won the NL East with a record of 97-65. The Braves are leading the charge when it comes to showcasing baseball's young talent. Acuna and Albies create the best 1-2 punch in baseball, and they'll be around for the better part of the next decade. Soroka is one of the best pitchers in the game, Freddie Freeman is a perennial All-Star at 1B, and Josh Donaldson can still bring the rain. The fun doesn't stop there because the Braves have more elite prospects on the way. All this (and more) on today's episode.
If you want offense, look no further than the 2019 Minnesota Twins. The Twins set a record with a MLB-leading 307 home runs. Eight players had 20+ home runs.... The list of Twins players who had stellar offensive accomplishments is quite long. If they clean up their infield defense, add starting pitching depth, and welcome elite prospects like Alex Kiriloff and Brusdar Graterol, the Twins will be a problem once again in 2020. All this on today's episode.
Low payroll? No problem. The Tampa Bay Rays won 96 games in 2019 with the fifth lowest payroll in baseball. They have cracked the code on how to find hidden gems and extract value from their players. The Rays had one of the best pitching staffs in baseball - and they only had a couple traditional starters for most of the year. They play matchups as well as anyone and may have championed a new-school approach to the game. They're armed with a deep farm system and young talent around the field. Don't sleep on the Rays. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Hot Stove is blazing. Is it fair to say Zack Wheeler is no more than a #3 starter? Moustakas finally got his payday. Thanks to great changeup command, Cole Hamels is somehow surviving despite losing a few ticks on his fastball. The Rays and Padres have completed a trade swapping Tommy Pham and Hunter Renfroe. The Yankees have a history of spending big money on free agents, but that hasn't been the case in recent years. Will they break that trend to sign Gerrit Cole? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Baseball is growing on an international stage. Mariners organization LHP Adam Macko knows a lot about that. From Slovakia to Ireland to Canada, baseball has been the common factor that allowed him to adapt to different cultures and languages. It turns out that baseball movies can be very effective resources for learning English. What's it like developing into a top draft pick while dealing with restrictions of cold climate? Is emulating certain pitchers' mechanics effective? All this (and more) on today's episode.
For the second straight year, the Oakland A's won 97 games. A lot of things went right for Oakland this year, and they project to keep doing it. We could see a shift in power in the AL West as soon as next year. With an impressive crop of homegrown talent, and more on the way, Oakland is a budding juggernaut. Marcus Semien's breakout season came after the A's showed much faith in him over the years. Will they cash in on that investment and trade him? All this (and more) on today's episode.
As a catcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization, Luke Berryhill is already pretty good with his hands. Off the field, he uses those hands to play the guitar. Smooth chords coupled with a good voice form Luke's talent for country music, something that just goes well with baseball. On the field, what are some ways Luke looks to add value as a catcher in today's game? Which of his tools might help him advance the most? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yorvis Torrealba is working to complete his journey back to Coors Field. He spent a lot of time there as a youngster when his dad (Yorvit Torrealba) played for the Rockies. Yorvis describes what it was like brushing shoulders with guys like Matt Holiday, Todd Helton, and Carlos Gonzalez during the famous '07 World Series run. Yorvis describes his path to becoming a College World Series champion himself. After overcoming a scary kidnapping incident as a child in Venezuela, Yorvis finds himself in the midst of a journey he's always dreamed of. Could he possibly go yard off his good friend Jesus Luzardo? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cleveland Indians finished 2nd in the AL Central and missed the playoffs. It seems like the Indians' window of contention has closed, which is somewhat shocking considering how close they were to winning it all a few years ago. Carlos Santana returned home and had the best year of his career and Shane Bieber became one of the best pitchers in the AL. Should the Indians trade Francisco Lindor? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The St. Louis Cardinals won the NL Central in 2019 and made their return to the postseason after a three-year absence. With a pitching staff led by Jack Flaherty and a defense anchored by Kolten Wong, the Cardinals had a very good season. Strong rookie seasons by Tommy Edman and Dakota Hudson makes for an intriguing young core of players moving forward, and the Cardinals are poised to contend again in 2020.
The Milwaukee Brewers rode a big September to sneak into the playoffs. They were hovering around .500 for much of the year, but something seemed to click at the end of the season despite losing Christian Yelich to injury. Their loss in the Wild Card game will haunt Brewers fans for a while, as they were six outs away from advancing. Signing a front-line starting pitcher should be among the Brewers' top priorities this off-season. All this on today's episode.
The New York Mets improved in 2019. They won nine more games than the previous year, yet some people will say they didn't meet expectations. It's tough to become a playoff team overnight, but the Mets took steps in that direction. Jacob deGrom took home his second consecutive Cy Young award and Pete Alonso was the HR champion and Rookie of the Year. If not for such a poor start to the year, the Mets may have made the playoffs. Jeff McNeil is a legitimate stud and he let everyone know it. What should the Mets be doing this offseason to take another leap next year? All this on today's episode.
After losing Goldschmidt, Pollock, and Corbin last offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks weren't expected to do much in 2019. They had a good year and finished second in the NL West with a record of 85-77. Ketel Marte put of MVP-caliber numbers, and they enjoyed big seasons from a bunch of other hitters. Their pitching staff was solid for the most part even though the traded Greinke away at the deadline. Look for the Dbacks to build off this momentum in 2020. All this on today's episode.
After winning the World Series in 2018, the Red Sox came into the year with high expectations. They didn't come anywhere near these expectations, largely due to a poor pitching. Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts were the two big breakout stars in the lineup, an the offense was pretty good as a whole. What will the Red Sox do with Mookie Betts this winter? Will Chris Sale ever be elite again? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Chicago Cubs finished at third place in the NL Central. They missed the playoffs in a tough division race, but they did have bright moments through the year. Nicholas Castellanos arrived in Chicago at the trade deadline, and brought some fireworks with him as he ignited their lineup for the remainder of the season. Nico Hoerner was called up at the end of the year and gave Cubs fans a taste of the future. Kyle Schwarber quietly put up hug offensive number, and Yu Darvish returned to form in the second half. What should the Cubs do this off-season to catch up to the Cardinals and Brewers? All this on today's episode.
A lot of people picked the Phillies to win the NL East before the season began. It made some sense, as they had just acquired guys like Harper, Realmuto, Segura, and McCutchen. The Phillies finished the season at .500, and showed that they had major flaws in their pitching staff, all while some key hitters under-performed. The Phillies have already shaken things up by bringing in a new manager, but what else do they need? All this on today's episode.
Very few people would've expected guys like Lance Lynn and Mike Minor to pitch like front-line aces this year, but that's what they did. Hunter Pence also broke out and was an All-Star again out of nowhere, at the age of 36. Joey Gallo is a beast and Nick Solak is here to stay. The Rangers had a lot of new developments and surprises in 2019. All this (and more) on today's episode.
As a top prospect in the Twins organization, Nick Gordon is the son of former All-Star reliever Tom Gordon and the brother of Dee Gordon. Nick takes after them and is known as Flash G. Nick tells us what it's like growing up with baseball bloodlines. What was it like getting attention from scouts/coaches at such a young age? Which current big-leaguer and former summer ball teammate simply always raked? Off the field, Nick's musical talent provides a great outlet for him to have fun and express himself. He's dropped some hot singles lately and has more on the way. All this (and more) on today's episode.
It was Bruce Bochy's final season and the last year on Madison Bumgarner's contract. The team was enjoying the swan song of some of the most impactful Giants in franchise history. Perhaps that's why they didn't trade Bumgarner at the Deadline while the team was on a hot streak. What is the Giants' strategy moving forward? The team's slow and steady rebuild continues on. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Cincinnati Reds were a fun team to watch at many points in 2019. Derek Dietrich showed us what swag really looks like. Aristedes Aquino set the league ablaze by hitting missiles all over the field in his rookie year. Sonny Gray returned to All-Star form. Amir Garrett wanted all the smoke in a benches-clearing brawl. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Chicago White Sox have a bright future. In 2019, they saw their core group of players make big jumps at the same time. Guys like Anderson, Jimenez, Giolito, Moncada, and Sanchez all made a splash on a league-wide scale. The best part is that they have even more top prospects on the way. The first part of the White Sox rebuild is complete, and they can look towards adding bigger pieces and making impact trades. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The LA Angels had a tough go in 2019. In addition to the passing of Tyler Skaggs, the Angels saw most of the key players miss significant time to injuries. Mike Trout is in his prime, but it doesn't look like he'll be seeing the playoffs again anytime soon. Although pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg are on the open market, the Angels might be better off by avoiding those temptations. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Coming off consecutive postseason appearances, the Colorado Rockies entered 2019 with moderately high expectations. In hindsight, these expectations were unrealistic because Pythagorean Win-Loss record indicates that the 2018 Rockies ought to have missed the playoffs. Their luck ran out when they decided to bring back largely the same roster. Guys like Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado anchored their offense all year long, but there were several missing parts around their depth chart. All this on today's episode.
The San Diego Padres finished 2019 last in the NL West. The first year of Manny Machado's contract wasn't quite what they hoped for. Manny is in his prime, but is he going to bounce back to being the perennial All-Star he was in Baltimore? Fernando Tatis Jr. was arguably the most exciting player to watch in all of baseball. He never fell into any real struggles, but he was bitten by the injury bug. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mike Trout and Cody Bellinger are the 2019 AL and NL MVPs. Trout took home his 3rd career MVP award as he edged out Alex Bregman of the Astros, despite missing the last few weeks of the season with a foot injury. In his eight full seasons, Mike Trout has finished first or second in the MVP voting seven times. Only one player has more MVPs than Mike Trout: Barry Bonds. Cody Bellinger took home his first MVP award after an elite season on both sides of the ball. Bellinger's defensive versatility shined as he won a Gold Glove in right field (not his natural position), while being able to slide over center field or first base when necessary. Bellinger's 9.0 bWAR led all of baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Jacob deGrom is a repeat winner for the National League Cy Young award. deGrom overcame a rocky start to the year to finish the season as the NL leader in WAR for pitchers. Justin Verlander took home his second career AL Cy Young award, as he edged out his teammate Gerrit Cole. Was Gerrit Cole robbed? Verlander has cemented his place in the Hall of Fame, and will be a first ballot inductee. All this on today's episode.
The Houston Astros have been accused of electronic sign-stealing during the 2017 season. According to Mike Fiers, a former Astros pitcher, Houston used a center field camera to steal signs and relay them to a TV in the dugout tunnel where players and team employees could see. The Astros seem to have been relaying the pitch-type by hitting a trash can whenever an off-speed pitch was signaled. Some opposing players, such as White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar, noticed this noise while playing against the Astros. Is electronic sign-stealing a non-issue, or is this a big deal? What kind of punishment (if any) should the Astros face? Who introduced this system in Houston? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Neither Pete Alonso or Yordan Alvarez were Rookie of the Year favorites coming into the season, but they certainly were by the end of it. Yordan was a unanimous selection in the American League, while Pete won by a landslide in the National League. Both players made a huge impact with their power bats, and provided a jolt to their teams' lineups. All this on today's episode.
What would it take for the Red Sox to trade Mookie Betts? One National League team is interested in Francisco Lindor, and it might be Cleveland's best play to deal their star shortstop. Would it make sense to trade Noah Syndergaard for Marcus Semien? Maybe baseball should implement some form of restricted free agency. Is it crazy to think the Astros are past their window? All this (and more) on today's episode!
When you're a consistent bottom-feeder in the standings, you get a lot of high draft picks over the years. The Pittsburgh Pirates have developed some young studs who showed well in 2019. Bryan Reynolds did show that he's one of the best outfielders in the game, Josh Bell became an All-Star, and Kevin Newman racked up hits. Besides that, this team was full of holes and question marks. Pitching and health were major pain points for the Pirates, as they look towards new management to guide their efforts moving forward. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Seattle Mariners started the year off with a lot of momentum. They gave Ichiro a warm sendoff in his home country of Japan and won 13 of their first 15 games. Despite the good early-season vibes, the Mariners weren't fooling anyone. They faced inevitable regression, and their season unfolded as summer approached. The Mariners got a bit of a late-season jolt from some key September call-ups. Where do guys like Kyle Lewis, Shed Long, and Justus Sheffield fit in the Mariners' future? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The best bats have been branded. Given to the best hitter at their position in each league, the Silver Slugger award is an accolade that carries weight on a player's resume. The Braves had 3 winners this year, which certainly helped them win another NL East title. There are many first-time winners this year, including Carlos Santana, who apparently just needed a return home to Cleveland. All this (and more) on today's episode.
A lineup featuring the names of Guerrero, Biggio, and Bichette is enough to make most baseball fans excited. Although they were watching the sons of those MLB legends, Blue Jays fans got a glimpse of their future this summer. Vlad. Jr will be just fine after making some adjustments, if he can stay in shape. Cavan Biggio has great plate discipline and proved to be a good table-setter. Bo Bichette showed an All-Star caliber bat right away. These young players made the 2019 season a lot more bearable for Blue Jays fans who saw their team undergo a complete overhaul. All this (and more) on today's episode.
What do you get when you mix a lackluster pitching staff full of mid-4 ERAs and an offense with the 2nd lowest OPS in the American League? You get something that looks a lot like the Royals did in 2019. The fact that the Royals are just a few years removed from a World Series victory shows just how difficult it is for small-market teams to maintain any kind of competitive window. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Miami Marlins had the kind of season that everyone expected, including themselves. It's not so clear what direction this team is heading, but they currently idle at the bottom of the NL East while making a few splashy trades. Isan Diaz's debut went viral, and was one of the brightest moments of the year. The Marlins traded a very good player in Zac Gallen, but getting Jazz Chisholm in return should prove to be worth it. All this (and more) on today's episode!
Award season is underway! The Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners have been announced. The best defenders in baseball have been named, and it's a great list of players. It seems like we've finally moved past the time where players' offensive performances would somehow factor into the Gold Glove voting. This is likely due to widespread acceptance of advanced defensive metrics which make things easier. The A's and Diamondbacks each have two winners. How many people even know who Yolmer Sanchez is? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Aroldis Chapman will be staying with the Yankees. The Cuban Missile received an additional year and $18 million from New York. Chapman took the bird in hand rather than test a potentially unforgiving open market. Stephen Strasburg has opted out of his contract and will be a free agent. Strasburg had 4 years and $100 million remaining on his deal, but he figures to receive a much bigger contract. Will he simply re-negotiate a deal with the Nats, or will a SoCal team lure him back home? All this on today's episode.
The Baltimore Orioles have a few talented players. That didn't stop them from going 54-108 this past season, but they do have a few really good players on their roster. Trey Mancini, Jonathan Villar, and John Means established themselves among the best in the American League. This organization has picked up a little bit of momentum and is headed in the right direction. What were some interesting Orioles moments this past season? Carlos Beltran has been named the next Mets manager. Is he a future Hall of Famer? All this (and more) on today's episode!
It was a trying season for the Detroit Tigers in 2019. Their biggest problem was a fundamental lack of major-league talent. The Tigers' struggles were a byproduct of a barren farm system, which was caused by an all-in attempt to win earlier in the decade when they had one of the most talented rosters in recent memory. Spencer Turnbull, Daniel Norris, and Matthew Boyd were solid arms in their rotation, but the Tigers simply didn't have much offense to speak of. Miguel Cabrera turned in the worst offensive year of his career. Is it reasonable to expect any significant value from Miggy moving forward? All this (and more) on today's episode!
The Washington Nationals have won the World Series. They did it in improbable fashion with a late-inning comeback in Game 7. However, that's what the Nats have been doing all year long, so it was only fitting. A decade after becoming the franchise's first #1 overall draft pick, Stephen Strasburg led them to a Word Series title. Strasburg has all the talent in the world, and he was finally able to put it all together this year because he stayed healthy. What enabled this team to consistently defy odds all season long? All this (and more) on today's episode!
There will be a Game 7. It took a fantastic outing from Stephen Strasburg, a swag-filled home run trot from Juan Soto, and a controversial call, but the Nationals pulled out the victory. What exactly is runner's lane interference, and why was that call so controversial? Is it fair to start scrutinizing Justin Verlander's postseason struggles? Who has the upper hand going into Game 7? All this (and more) on today's episode!
Game 6 of the World Series will yield one of two results: a clinch for the Astros or the Nationals will force a Game 7. The Nationals bats went cold over the weekend, but there are many reasons to believe they're not out of it yet. The Pirates might have a very strong opportunity to cash in on one of their most valuable assets, Starling Marte. Marte was quietly one of baseball's top center-fielders this year. What kind of return could he fetch and who might be interested? All this (and more) on today's episode.
With a Game 5 victory, the Astros are one win away from a World Series title. They lead the series 3-2 after rattling off three consecutive victories in Washington D.C. The Astros' bats have really come to life and Yordan Alvarez has joined the party. Joe Ross made a spot start for the Nationals because Max Scherzer was scratched due to spasms in his neck. The Nationals will try to keep this series alive as this series returns to Houston on Tuesday. All this on today's episode.
The 2019 World Series is now a best-of-three series, as the Astros defeated the Nationals in Game 4 to tie the series at 2-2. Don't sleep on Jose Urquidy and Will Harris. Houston's lesser-known pitchers have come up big this postseason. Both the Nationals and Astros have their aces lined up for the next two games, as fitting as that sounds. Its interesting to note that the road team has won every game so far. All this on today's episode.
The Astros turned in a well-rounded performance as they defeated the Nationals 4-1 in Game 3 of the World Series. It was a classic case of good pitching as timely hitting for the Astros, as they avoided the daunting possibility of a 3-0 series deficit. Houston will go with a bullpen day tonight in Game 4, while the Nationals will start Patrick Corbin. Chaim Bloom has been named the next general manager of the Red Sox. He'll bring a completely new and modern approach to baseball operations, as he showed in Tampa Bay. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Who are the finest in the field? Three finalists at each position have been named for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. We discuss each candidate and who might be the favorite at each position. Defensive impact can be tough to quantify, and it often takes more than just the eye-test to know how good a defender really is. What are Defensive Runs Saved or Outs Above Average? These metrics provide a nice benchmark for us, but what other factors come into play in determining the best defenders? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Nationals aren't messing around. With a resounding 12-3 victory in Houston yesterday, the Nats have grabbed control of this series. The next three games would be in DC, where the Astros won't have a DH. This series is far from over, but Houston needs to make a rapid adjustment in order to get back on track. Yelich and Trout won the Hank Aaron Awards for their respective leagues, but will they win MVP? Why did the Cubs hire David Ross as their next manager instead of someone more experienced? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Most baseball fans know of Juan Soto's talent, but Soto put his immense skills on display on the national stage while leading the Nationals to a Game 1 World Series victory over the Astros. The Childish Bambino homered, doubled, singled, stole a base, and drove in three runs. The Astros were caught off guard in seeing Gerrit Cole surrender five earned runs, but they'll look to get back on track with Justin Verlander on the mound tonight against Stephen Strasburg. It's probably not a good idea to try and sneak a fastball by George Springer; Springer has homered in 5 consecutive World Series games. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Major League Baseball has proposed a radical plan to restructure the Minor Leagues. The plan is to eliminate over 25% of minor league teams and shorten the draft to 20-25 rounds. In theory, this would consolidate talent, improve player pay, and improve minor league facilities/conditions. In reality, most minor league players are sold a dream of playing professional baseball, despite knowing they will likely never make it to the MLB. What does this mean for high school and college players overall? How will small towns that thrive on minor league baseball handle their team getting cut? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Today I'm joined by a special guest, Eric. As a proud Washington D.C. native, Eric is about to witness his team's first World Series appearance. For a city that hasn't seen many championships across all major sports, the nation's capital is ready to take the big stage. Eric tells us how he really feels about Bryce Harper. The Capitals are good, but will the Redskins or Wizards ever rise up the ranks in DC sports? What sets baseball apart from other more popular sports such as football or basketball, and is it possible to close the gap? All this (and more) on today's episode!
The Astros have won the American League Pennant. Jose Altuve put and end to a back-and-forth contest between the Astros and Yankees with a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the ninth. His blast ejected life into an atmosphere that had just been stunned by a game-tying homerun by DJ Lemahieu of the Yankees. All Lemahieu does is hit. Do the Astros have the upper hand against the Nationals? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Yankees have forced a Game 6 in the ALCS. Behind home runs from DJ Lemahieu and Aaron Hicks, the Bronx Bombers ambushed Justin Verlander en route to a 4-1 victory. James Paxton tossed 6 innings of 1-run ball with 9 strikeouts to lead the way on the mound. Both teams will start Game 6 with their bullpens tonight in Houston. Bryce Harper says he feels no jealousy towards the Nationals, as they made it to the World Series the year after he left. There are probably 330 million reasons why he feels that way. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Good things happen when George Springer and Carlos Correa go deep for the Astros. Both players hit 110-mph three-run blasts into the left field bleachers to lead the Astros to a 8-3 victory at Yankee Stadium. Houston has a 3-1 series lead, but this series isn't over yet. The Yankees will try to force a Game 6 tonight. CC Sabathia limped off the mound in what was likely the last appearance of his career. It surely wasn't how he wanted it to end, but CC should hold his head high for the outstanding career he had. All this (and more) on today's episode.
With yesterday's rainout, the ALCS is now scheduled to be played on four consecutive days. This means that, to win the series, the Yankees will likely have to face Greinke, Verlander, and Cole over the next three days. They'd have to win at least two of those games. The Angels have hired Joe Maddon on a three year deal, as he looks to turn things around for the franchise. Jacob Heyward (Jason's brother) was ejected from an Arizona Fall League game for a strike call made by the robot umpire. Are there potential flaws in the technology or should this become a new standard? All this (and more) on today's episode.
The World Series is coming back to the nation's capital. The Washington Nationals swept the St. Louis Cardinals to punch their ticket to the Fall Classic. Washington never trailed at any point in the series and Howie Kendrick won NLCS MVP. From starting the season with a 19-31 record, to facing a deficit in the NL Wild Card Game, to nearing elimination against the Dodgers in the 8th inning of Game 5 of the NLDS, the Nats have overcome steep odds. The Nats await the winner of the ALCS matchup between the Astros and Yankees - both of whom might actually be hoping for a rainout on Wednesday. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Washington Nationals are one win away from the World Series. Stephen Strasburg stifled the Cardinals offense over 7 innings and the Nats offense was on fire. Howie Kendrick's offensive game has aged like fine wine. His smooth stroke and sound approach at the plate transcends his age. Victor Robles returned to the lineup and homered. His skillset has formed a strong foundation for him to build a very productive career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Carlos Correa now has two career walk-off hits in the playoffs. The first came in Game 2 of the 2017 ALCS, and the next happened last night - also in Game 2 of the ALCS. The Astros tied the ALCS 1-1 as the series moves back to New York for three games. Is the 2-3-2 format ideal for best-of-seven series? The NLCS resumes today as Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the Nationals vs. Jack Flaherty and the Cardinals. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Gleyber Torres had a 5-RBI day as he led the Yankees to a Game 1 victory over the Astros in Game 1 of the ALCS. Torres is a legitimate superstar at the ripe young age of 22. Just a day after Anibal Sanchez flirted with a no-hitter, Max Scherzer did the same. Scherzer and the Nats defeated the Nationals to take a 2-0 series lead as the series heads back to DC. David Freese announced his retirement yesterday. Freese often delivered in big moments and is connected with one of the most memorable swings in MLB postseason history. All this (and more) on today's episode!
Behind Anibal Sanchez's dominant outing, the Washington Nationals took Game 1 of the NLCS in St. Louis. Sanchez carried a no-hitter into the 8th inning, until he surrendered a pinch-hit single to Jose Martinez. The Nats probably didn't expect such an effort from their back-of-the-rotation piece, but Sanchez has shown the ability to twirl a gem every once in a while. We look ahead to tonight's ALCS matchup between the Astros and Yankees. All this (and more) on today's episode!
The Houston Astros are moving on to the ALCS for a rematch with the Yankees. The Astros jumped out to an early lead in Game 5 of the ALDS, as they scored 4 runs in the first inning against the Rays. It Astros looked particularly locked in at the plate. They were because Tyler Glasnow was tipping his pitches. How much of a difference do the slightest tips make? Gerrit Cole was dominant, as usual, as he put team on his back for eight innings of one-run ball. We look ahead to the ALCS and NLCS matchups. The Phillies have fired Gabe Kapler, which means there are now eight managerial vacancies in the MLB. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Washington Nationals have won a playoff series. In improbable fashion, the Nationals staged a late-game comeback to stun the Dodgers. Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto led the charge by hitting back-to-back home runs to tie the game, and Howie Kendrick sent the Dodgers packing with a go-ahead grand slam in the 10th inning. For a team that started the season 19-31, the Nats have overcome steep odds in taking down one of the deepest and most talented teams of all time. They will face the St. Louis Cardinals, who punched their ticket by routing the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of their NLDS series. All this (and more) on today's episode.
The Rays pulled off a stunning victory as they took down the Houston Astros in Game 4 of the ALDS. The Tampa Bay bullpen out-dueled Justin Verlander in a fascinating fashion. Whether it's lefty specialists, groundball pitchers, or pitchers with a funky delivery, the Rays have a variety of flavors coming out of their pen - which is perhaps the best in all of baseball. Can the Rays pull off the upset in Houston against a fully-rested Gerrit Cole on Thursday? All this (and more) on today's episode!
Gleyber Torres led the Yankees to a sweep of the Twins as they advanced to the ALCS. Torres is the youngest Yankee to homer in a postseason game since Derek Jeter's iconic fan-aided home run in the 1996 ALCS. The big trade that brought Torres to New York three years ago is paying big dividends now. The Rays stayed alive by jumping all over Zack Greinke. Will they have enough magic left against Verlander tonight? Both NLDS series are going to Game 5, as the Nationals and Cards both forced a winner-take-all game on Wednesday night. All this (and more) on today's episode!
The Braves' 9th inning rally was punctuated by big hits from Donaldson, Dansby, and Duvall. Atlanta stunned the Cardinals to secure a key road victory. A seven-run 6th inning propelled the Dodgers to a victory over the Nats. LA's roster is particularly deep, and they can mix and match their lineup for a variety of situations. We saw that as they rolled out multiple key bench bats to face left handed pitching. We take a look at the developing free agent market, and what it could look like for Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game.
The Cole train keeps chugging along. With 7 2/3 scoreless innings and 15 strikeouts last night, Gerrit Cole's historic season kept moving right along. He's the epitome of a power pitcher and it's quite frightening that he's the #2 option in Houston's rotation. The Yankees defeated the Twins pretty handily, thanks in part to a grand slam by Didi Gregorious. We look ahead to the upcoming NLDS matchups. All this (and more) on today's episode.
"We'll worry about Game 3 when we get there." That was the Nationals' strategy last night when they inserted Max Scherzer into the game in the 8th inning. The Nats won the game and will head back home with the series tied 1-1. Verlander was vintage, the Bronx Bombers were out in full force, and some battle-tested Braves contributed to a victory. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Walker Buehler extended his postseason scoreless streak to 16 innings as he kept the Nationals lineup in check with his high octane stuff. Gavin Lux is taking to the big stage quite well. The 21 year old has a sweet stroke from the left side which is going to play at a high level. Is Ronald Acuna Jr. the next Manny Ramirez? He's too talented to be held out of the lineup and his antics are simply entertaining to watch. All this (and more), plus a full recap of each game!
With four home runs and a strong outing by Charlie Morton, the Rays defeated the A's in the American League Wild Card game. Charlie Morton is the first pitcher in MLB history to win three winner-take-all games. What chance does Tampa Bay really stand against the Houston Astros? A look ahead to tonight's NLDS matchup between the Nats and Dodgers. All this (and more) on today's episode!
Despite falling behind the Brewers in a early deficit, the Nationals used a late rally to stun a sellout crowd in DC. Many will be quick to point to Trent Grisham's error in RF for allowing the go-ahead run to score, but Josh Hader did toss in a hit-by-pitch and a walk to load the bases. The Nats will head to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers in the NLDS. All this (and more) on today's episode!
The Nats have extended an offer to Anthony Rendon in for 7 years, $210 - $215 million. It's a good start, but that won't be enough. Some managerial changes are taking place, as Brad Ausmus, Joe Maddon and Clint Hurdle have been fired. Hurdle was probably on his way out of Pittsburgh anyway, but Ausmus got the axe after just 1 year on the job. It seems like the Angels want to hire Maddon. We look ahead to tonight's NL Wild Card game. All this (and more) on today's episode!
That's a wrap! The regular season is over and it's time for the playoffs. It took all 162 games, but the Cardinals clinched the NL Central. Let's recap what we saw this year and survey the postseason field. Who led in all the major statistical categories? It's not too often a free-swinger leads the MLB in batting average, but Tim Anderson won a batting title with only 15 walks on the year. All this (and more) on today's episode!
Pete Alonso is a King in Queens. The New York Mets sensation has set the rookie record for home runs in a season. Justin Verlander got his 3000th career strikeout, crossing yet another key milestone to in his Hall of Fame career. JV is just the second player to hit 3000 strikeouts while striking out 300+ batters in the same season. Randy Johnson is the other. This indicates unparalleled dominance at an age, 36, when most other players have already seen a sharp decline. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
The AL Wild Card game will feature two small-market and analytically-driven teams: The Rays and A's. These two teams are usually slept on in preseason rankings and projections. but they continue to surprise us with winning baseball every year. Pete Alonso tied Aaron Judge's rookie HR record with his 52nd blast of the year. He'll win NL Rookie of the Year. The Yankees have caught the Twins for the MLB lead in homeruns. Could we really expect anyone less from the Bronx Bombers? All this (and more) on today's episode!
The King's Court was rocking, as Felix Hernandez made what was likely his final start in a Seattle Mariners uniform. After 15 years in Seattle, Felix ends his tenure there as a fan favorite with a perfect game, a Cy Young Award, and 2500+ strikeouts on his resume. The Rangers did everything they could to help Mike Minor get his 200th strikeout of the season, such as intentionally missing a pop-up. Was this fair play, or bush league? All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
A couple more tickets were punched last night, as the Brewers and Twins clinched postseason berths. The Brewers' road to October has been an improbable one, as they've thrived in the face of losing Christian Yelich to injury. The Twins were a good team on paper, but they really did put it all together to seize the AL Central. Jacob deGrom might mess around and win back-to-back Cy Young awards. Charlie Morton has been surprisingly durable down in Tampa Bay. All this (and more) on today's episode!
Bryce Harper has a thing for facing Hunter Strickland. Pinch hitting yesterday, Harper hit a 116 mph laser into the 2nd deck, putting an exclamation point on a tense situation. The two players have well-documented beef that goes back a few years. With all the heavy usage of elite relievers, should we consider new rules to allow them to hit free agency sooner? They might use up all their bullets otherwise. Marcus Stroman clapped back at Brian Cashman on social media. We're used to Stroman being outspoken, but who was right in this case? All this (and more) on today's episode!
Paul Goldschmidt made his return to Arizona, as he homered in a Cardinals victory. Goldy established himself as one of the best players in all of baseball during his time with the D-Backs, and the fans truly appreciate him for all that he did. Anthony Alford made his first career home run a big one, as he hit a walk-off blast for Blue Jays in the 15th inning against the Orioles. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
The Houston Astros have clinched the AL West and are on their way to securing the best record in franchise history. The Yankees honored CC Sabathia, as he was celebrated for his illustrious career. Time has flown by and it's almost hard to believe that CC played 11 seasons with the Yankees. How does CC's resume stack up among the all time greats? Major League Baseball is using the Arizona Fall League as a training ground, as it continues to test an automated strike zone system. Automated strike zones seem inevitable at this point, and we should probably expect them in the MLB sooner rather than later. All this (and more) on today's episode!
There's something special about the left-field corner at Tropicana Field. Famous for the being the landing spot of the "162-Landing" of years ago, Nate Lowe's walk-off blast found that same spot last night. The Braves are trying to decide on the final spot for their postseason pitching rotation. Max Fried continued his audition last night with his 17th win of the year. Giancarlo Stanton's timing looks to be pretty good, as he's gearing up for a postseason run for the Yankees. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
The Braves clinched the NL East. Mike Foltynewicz has done everything he can to earn a spot in the Braves postseason rotation. Will he get the nod? Randy Dobnak has made an improbable run up to the Majors this year, and has pitched well. It was so unexpected, that he and his fiancee have their wedding scheduled for next week. The White Sox have been through a deep rebuild - is it fair to say they have a Big 3 now in Moncada, Anderson, and Jimenez? All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Despite placing a Major-league record of 30 players on the injured list this year, the Yankees have clinched their first AL East title since 2012. Their win over the Angels was their 100th of the season. Ronald Acuna Jr. can exhale a bit, as he hit his 40th home run of the year. He's just three steals away from joining the 40-40 club. He should get there. As anticipated, the NL Wild Card race is going down to the wire. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Bruce Bochy put a bow on his final season by collecting the 2000th win of his career. He is just the 11th manager in MLB history to accomplish that feat. Gerrit Cole really might just mess around and win the AL Cy Young. The impending free agent tallied his 300th strikeout of the season, and has arguably been baseball's best power pitcher all year. CC Sabathia walked off the Yankee stadium mound in what may have been the final start of his storied career. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Seventeen years after his Hall-of-Fame father hit for the cycle, Cavan Biggio did the same. Cavan has been making adjustments at the MLB level all season long, and he's really shown us that he has potential to be a very dynamic offensive player. Luis Severino and Blake Snell returned to the mound last night, as they help their clubs gear up for a postseason run. Both guys looked very sharp. Mike Yastrzemski played at Fenway Park for the first time. His grandfather, Red Sox legend and Hall of Famer Carl, was in attendance. Mike did not disappoint, as he delivered a home run for the Fenway faithful.
The Cardinals are finally getting the player they thought they were when they signed Marcell Ozuna 2 years ago. Injuries have nagged him in his first couple seasons with St. Louis, but Marcell looks healthy and is playing very well right now. Marcus Semien has put it all together this year. He broke Rickey Henderson's Oakland A's record for most leadoff home runs in a season. The Bay Area native might actually receive some AL MVP votes this year. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Mike Trout is out for the season. He will undergo surgery this week to address a nerve issue in his foot. As good as Trout has been in his career, this has been this best season yet. He should still win the MVP, unless Alex Bregman somehow closes the gap. With Yelich and Trout down, Eugenio Suarez is in the midst of the MLB HR title now. The Venezuelan slugger is having a historic year. All this (and more) on today's episode!
Brett Gardner put on a show at the plate, logging 5 RBIs in support of James Paxton as the Yankees defeated the Blue Jays. Paxton won his 9th straight start. Although the Braves clinched a postseason berth, their biggest concern last night was Charlie Culberson. Culberson suffered an injury after being struck by a fastball directly below his eye while trying to bunt. Mike Fiers must have lost some kind of bet because he took the mound with a crazy style of facial hair. Unfortunately for Fiers, he had to leave the game early due to right arm nerve irritation. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Some say Mike Soroka is a Baby Brave, but he's been pitching like a grown man all year long. Soroka has the 2nd best ERA in the MLB and will receive some Cy Young votes this winter. Bo Bichette hit a walk-off home run for the Yankees, as his sensational rookie season continues. Have we forgotten how good Nolan Arenado is, or are we just numb to it at this point? All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Ronald Acuna Jr is now just one home run and four stolen bases away from joining the 40-40 club. Barring injury, he's going to reach that milestone at the tender age of 21. Xander Bogaerts has really filled into his frame. His line drives and doubles from a few years ago have turned into doubles and home runs. Rich Hill just can't catch a break, as he injured his knee in the first inning of his return from the IL (related to a different injury). Yu Darvish collected 14 strikeouts in the Cubs win against the Padres yesterday. Chicago is tied for the 2nd NL Wild Card spot, and that race will likely go down to the wire. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Jesus Luzardo made his debut for the Oakland A's last night, and his stuff looked electric. He was sitting 97-98 mph with his fastball down in the zone and great movement. He's been a starter all year long, so Oakland wants to keep his pitch count up to maintain that momentum for him. Stephen Strasburg has thrown more innings than he has since 2014. Finally displaying some durability, Strasburg is a cornerstone arm that the Nationals will rely on in October. Kyle Lewis broke up Sonny Gray's no-hitter with a 3-run home run. It seems like the Mariners are always getting no-hit, or close to it. All this (and more) plus a full recap of every game!
Christian Yelich's illustrious season has come to an end. After fouling a ball of his right knee, Yelich suffered a fracture that has ended his season. Can the Brewers bounce back from the loss of their MVP? The Dodgers have won their 7th straight NL West division title. What will their postseason rotation look like? Kyle Crick and Felipe Vasquez got in a fight in the Pirates clubhouse. Crick needed tendon repair surgery on his right index finger, so it must have been bad. What could've caused such an ugly confrontation? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Pete Alonso could find himself with a lot of accolades this off-season. With two more home runs last night, he has an MLB-leading 47 on the year. He's 5 home runs away from the MLB rookie record, and 15 RBIs away from the Mets single-season RBI record. Could Jacob deGrom really win back-to-back Cy Young awards? The Astros have scored 36 runs in their last two games. Oh and by the way, Zack Greinke threw 6 shutout innings as their #3 starter. Cubs top prospect, Nico Hoerner, was chilling at home when he found out he was being called up to the Big Leagues. Hoerner impressed with 3 hits and 4 RBIs in his MLB debut. The Cubs are excited about this kid, as they catch a glimpse of their future middle infielder. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
The Red Sox have fired Dave Dombrowski. After failing to address glaring bullpen issues before this season, and doing nothing at the Trade Deadline, the Red Sox have had enough of Dombrowski. This moves comes even after Dombrowski won a World Series championship last year. Was it warranted? The A's are calling up Jesus Luzardo. With Sean Manaea back, they might slot Luzardo in the bullpen where his 99 mph fastball for the left side profiles very well. The Astros' offense put up 21 runs yesterday. Yordan Alvarez is going to win the AL Rookie of the Year, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
Christian Yelich stole 3 bags and hit a walk-off double while helping the Brewers secure a win over the Cubs. The Bringer of Rain is fueling the Braves' surge. Atlanta essentially has the NL East in the bag, and Donaldson's bat is a big reason why. The veteran additions to the Braves give them a boost over the young postseason roster they carried last year. Michael Pineda received a 60 game suspension for PEDs, and is disqualified for the postseason as well. The Twins have relied on Pineda heavily, and it'll be a task to replace him. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Nicholas Castellanos homered in two different games that were being played at the same time. How did he do that? The Dodgers' pitching rotation is scuffling, but there's not much to be concerned about. They're just reshuffling the staff and setting up their postseason roster. Ketel Marte has flown under the radar for too long and deserves to be in the NL MVP discussion. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
In an extremely improbable scenario, Brian Moran made his major-league debut facing his younger brother. Brian got the best of Colin by striking him out on a 3-2 slider. Max Fried is making a serious case for the Braves' postseason rotation. Austin Meadows was an All-Star this year, so he has been recognized for his talent. But what is his ceiling? Don't sleep on Meadows because he could be the next big stud.
Whenever you do something that only Babe Ruth has, you can be sure it's a special feat. Michael Lorenzen became the first player since Babe to get pitching win, hit a home run, and play in the field in the same game. So much for being a two-way player. Is he actually a three-way player? Joc Pederson has hit five home runs in his last three games, helping the Dodgers set a National League record for a single-season home run total. Zac Gallen was pitching well in Miami before he got traded, and the rookie right-hander continues to impress in Arizona. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Kurt Suzuki's 3-run walk-off home run capped a seven-run 9th inning in a wild comeback victory for the Nationals. Jordan Lyles has been a completely different pitcher since being traded to the Brewers. How is he doing it? The Cubs welcomed back Ben Zobrist and Willson Contreras. Jorge Soler became the Royals single-season HR leader, with his 39th of the year. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game.
Just the day after Verlander's no-hitter, Gerrit Cole reminded us all of his strong case for the AL Cy Young award. Cole turned in a 6-inning, 14-strikeout performance against the Brewers, as he retook the MLB lead in strikeouts. The Astros really do have the best 1-2 punch in baseball. Gavin Lux made his major league debut yesterday and contributed two hits for the Dodgers. Expect a lot more of that. Aristedes Aquino is still punishing baseballs for the Reds, and the Yankees were shutout for the first time in over a year. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game.
Like a fine wine, Justin Verlander seems to get better with age. JV threw his 3rd no-hitter yesterday, and he is currently in line to win the American League's pitching Triple Crown. Carlos Carrasco overcame a 3-month battle with leukemia, and returned to action for the Indians last night. Cookie is the heart and soul of the Indians rotation, and will be a key piece for them as they make a playoff push. Gavin Lux is getting the call to the big leagues; look for the Dodgers' top prospect to hit well right out of the gate. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game.
Mike Trout recorded his 200th stolen base, making him the youngest player to join the 200-200 (200 steals and 200 homers) club. He did it 325 days younger than Barry Bonds did, but is Trout actually better than Bonds? The Twins broke the MLB single-season home run record, and they still have a month left. Cavan Biggio is rounding into form, as he's found a balance between his strong plate discipline while staying aggressive. Wilson Ramos extended his hit streak to 24 games - the longest since Freddie Freeman's in 2016. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Many high-powered lineups nowadays feature elite hitters at the leadoff spot, such as Mookie Betts and George Springer. Both players led their teams to victories yesterday, but is it apt to view them as similar offensive players? We know all about Yelich vs. Bellinger for the NL MVP, but could guys like Anthony Rendon or Bryan Reynolds carve out a legitimate case? All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
The Cubs swept the Mets behind Victor Caratini's 2 home runs off Jacob deGrom. Looking at the number, he's really filled in nicely during Willson Contreras' absence.Kevin Newman had his second 4-hit game of the week, as the Pirates continue to catch a glimpse of their future core. Hyun-Jin Ryu is feeling the dog days of August, but he's human after all. His ERA has "ballooned" to a 2.35 - something that his peripheral stats have foreshadowed all year. Rougned Odor is basically playing for his job at this point; the Rangers expect more production out of 2B, and they have a young kid (Nick Solak) waiting in the wings who could replace him. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Gerrit Cole recorded his 15th double-digit strikeout game of the season, becoming the first Astros player to ever do so. The Rays have their hands full with the Astros' three-headed monster this week, and probably can't wait to leave Houston. Xander Bogaerts hit two home runs for the Red Sox yesterday, as he reached the 30 HR and 100 RBI milestone. Xander is the first Red Sox shortstop to achieve this feat since Nomar in 1998. Is Xander the best offensive shortstop in the MLB? All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Aaron Judge hit his 100th career home run, becoming the 3rd fastest player to do it. At age 27, Judge needs to stay healthy in order to build an impressive resume on the all-time home run list. The talent is undeniably there, but he just needs to avoid injuries to put up those big numbers. Tyler Rogers made his big-league debut throwing submarine pitches for the Giants in a clean 1-2-3 inning. His twin brother, Taylor got a save for the Twins on the same night. Peter Alonso hit his 42nd home run of the year, and now holds the Mets single-season record. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game.
After being let go by the Mariners last spring, Mike Ford was further determined to prove himself. He got his revenge last night, as he blasted two home runs against the Mariners. Ford's big bat has been on display lately, as he's been the "next man up" in line for the Yankees. Sean Rodriguez was booed by his own crowd, but those boos turned into cheers as he delivered his 4th career walk-off homerun. Philadelphia is a very tough place to play, and any player (home or visiting) is fair game for their fans' criticism. Ryan McMahon hit a walk-off blast for the Rockies, as they ended their losing streak while also ending the Braves' win streak. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
In the midst of a resurgent season, Josh Donaldson has lived up to his nickname. The Bringer of Rain blasted two more home runs yesterday as the Braves swept the Nats. Donaldson still has it, and he's been a huge part of the Braves' success. The Nationals continue to score runs with their potent lineup, led by Anthony Rendon. In a contract year, Rendon is having the best season of his career. Look for him to be paid handsomely this winter. Jonathan Villar became just the sixth Oriole to join the 20-20 club. Many seem to have forgotten, but the former NL stolen base champion brings value at the plate and on the basepaths. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Pete Alonso has tied the Mets franchise record for home runs in a season (41). His blast last night, also put him past the 100-RBI mark, as Alonso is cementing his case for the NL Rookie of the Year. He'll now set his sights on Aaron Judge's MLB rookie record of 52 home runs. Kenley Jansen flashed some of his old stuff, as he held on to secure a big save in what's been a tumultuous season for him. Stephen Vogt received a warm welcome in his return to Oakland, and he hit a 3-run blast for the Giants as the won the opening game of the Bay Bridge Series. All this (and more), including a recap of every game!
Players' Weekend began last night, as the MLB encourages players to put their personalities on display. Jack Flaherty kept dealing for the Cardinals. He honored his late friend Tyler Skaggs, with an outstanding pitching performance. The Marlins used a seven-run inning to fight their way back in a slugfest over the Phillies. Jacob deGrom homered and threw a gem, but that wasn't enough for the Mets. All this (and more) on today's episode!
Ronald Acuna Jr. continues to torment the Marlins, as he delivered a walk-off single for the Braves. Brock Holt and Kike Hernandez also delivered walk-off hits for their teams. The A's swept the Yankees in Oakland, making a strong statement as they climb to the top of the AL Wild Card race. Michael Brantley has always been an elite hitter, but he's added power to his game this year, all while chasing the AL batting title. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
I'm joined by Chris Clarke - Chicago Cubs 4th round draft pick. Chris describes a memorable draft day experience, which involved being handpicked by Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein. Despite moving back and forth between the bullpen and starting rotation in college, Chris is paving his way as a starter in pro ball. He shares some of the key differences in approach and routine between both roles. Even though Pac-12 baseball has a reputation for being small-ball oriented, there are some legitimately deep lineups in the conference that can match up with the best teams from the SEC/ACC. Chris made a mechanical adjustment during summer ball which led to an uptick in his velocity, and he continues to build off of that. All this (and more) on today's episode!
In an eventful night around the league, Eduardo Escobar, Cody Bellinger, and Freddie Freeman all crossed the 100-RBI mark. These National League stars were a huge part of their team's winning last night. Age is just a number for Nelson Cruz. Since being a first-round pick in 2013, Hunter Harvey dealt with a lot of injuries on his path to the Majors, but he's blowing 100 mph out of the Orioles bullpen now.
Carlos Carrasco made his first in-game appearance since his leukemia diagnosis. He looked very sharp, as he sat in the mid-90s (touching 97) with his fastball. Carlos expects to be back with the Indians soon, and should provide a huge boost to their pitching staff. Chris Sale emerged from an appointment with Dr. James Andrews, and he will not be needing Tommy John Surgery at this point in time. Sale will be shut down for the rest of the season, and re-evaluated in 6 weeks. The A's are calling up AJ Puk. Puk will be featured out of the bullpen. The big left-hander was the 6th overall pick in the 2016 Draft. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
I'm joined by Stephen Scott - Red Sox 10th round draft pick. Stephen was a 2019 College World Series champion with Vanderbilt. Stephen describes what his experience playing at Vandy, as well as what he and some of his teammates enjoyed doing for fun. Stephen is a bit familiar with Massachusetts and Fenway Park, having played on the Cape Cod league in college. In pro ball, it turns out that he's picking up some Spanish along the way, as he interacts with his Latin teammates. SEC pitching is strong, but who had the best stuff, out of all the guys he faced? All this (and more), on today's episode!
The Brewers took down the Nationals in what might become the Game of the Year. Aaron Boone and Brett Gardner got tossed (again), but why does Gardner keep slamming his bat on the dugout roof? Umpires around the league have put the Yankees on notice. Aristides Aquino hit yet another home run, as he continues his historic start. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Aristedes "The Punisher" Aquino has done everything to earn his nickname. He has reached 10 HR's in fewer games (16) than anybody in MLB history.Max Kepler's 33rd home run of the year gave him the most dingers in a season for a European-born player. There was a big-game atmosphere in Oakland as the A's bullpen twirled 7 strong innings en route to a victory over the Astros. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Bryce Harper is looking more like the player the Phillies were expecting when they signed him to a 13-year $330 million deal in the offseason. His walkoff grand slam completed the Phillies sweep of the Cubs. The MLB homerun leaderboard remains tight, as Mike Trout and Bellinger both reached 40 homeruns. Trout did it in fewer games than any Angel ever had, while Bellinger became the youngest Dodger to do so. As Jose Ramirez goes, so does the Indians offense. Ramirez led the way as the Indians pummeled the Yankees in the Bronx. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Clayton Kershaw continued his stellar season. With his strongest outing of the year, he tied Sandy Koufax for fifth on the Dodgers' all-time wins list. Albert Pujols is now the all-time hits leader for foreign-born players. The first ballot Hall of Famer continues to reach significant milestones. Despite what might become an IL stint for Tatis, the Padres have a lot to look forward to; their up-the-middle prospects are showing out in the Bigs. All this (and more), plus a full recap of every game!
Rafael Devers became the first MLB player to have 6+ hits and 4+ doubles in a single game. Still just 22, Raffy Big Scoops is a legitimate talent. The Yankees continue to torment the Orioles, as they picked up their 16th win against Baltimore. Nick Ahmed put the Diamondbacks on his back, and Kyle Seager is in the midst of a mid-season revival. All this (and more) with a full recap of every game!
I'm joined by Saber Stats, who provides a great view on baseball through the lens of sabermetrics. Advanced stats can seem daunting, but they really do help us understand baseball better. The last few years has seen a huge uptick in mainstream usage of baseball sabermetrics, and they just add more context to the game. We've seen that older players no longer get paid, so rookie contracts need to be restructured allow for earlier free agency. Some teams like the Astros, A's, and Rays always seem to extract the most value out of their players. All this (and more) on today's episode!
I'm joined by Austin, a former college baseball player with a true passion for the game. There are a bunch of young stars in the game right now, but who's going to carry the torch for the next generation? Matt Chapman is one of the few guys in the league who's defense alone is worth the price of admission. Changing the Draft would make things more fair for domestic players, and speed up rebuild processes. Is Dave Dombrowski on the hot seat in Boston? All this (and more) on today's episode!
We're joined by a special guest today. Cody Bellinger as a bona-fide superstar, but Christian Yelich stands to produce at a more sustainable clip. Clayton Kershaw as rebranded himself and learned to be effective with lower velocity, which gives the Dodgers a strong Big 3 at the front of their rotation. This Big 3 might not be the league's best, because the Astros' starters have more high-octane stuff, which plays up in the postseason. When can we expect to see Gavin Lux, and what will he contribute?
Bryce Harper heard a fan's "Overrated!" chant, so he immediately launched a ball into McCovey Cove. It's been a down year by his standards, but Harper's 2 home runs led the way last night. The Mets, Indians, and Astros are white hot, but it's New York's turnaround that stands as most impressive. Josh Hader blew a save, but Eric Thames' walk-off blast sent the Brewers home happy, as the NL Central race stays tight. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
Javier Baez has a smooth left-handed stroke. The Reds waved the white flag by using a position player on the mound, so El Mago (The Magician) decided to take an at-bat from the opposite side. The Field of Dreams game next year will be one of MLB's creative efforts to spread and promote the game. Injuries have hampered his career lately, but Miguel Cabrera should reach 500 home runs. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
What is Bo Bichette's ceiling? Expect his doubles to turn into home runs as he gets older and stronger. Don't look now, but the Mets are solidly in the playoff picture. They've won 13 of their last 14 games, and that Wild Card is very much in play for them. Was Chris Davis really about to fight his manager? Tensions flared in the Orioles dugout, as the Yankees set the record for most HRs against a team in a single season. What might make a 40-40 season out of reach for Ronald Acuna Jr.? All this, plus a full recap of every game!
Bo Bichette continues to tear the cover of the ball. With 10 extra-base hits in his first 9 games, he's giving us a glimpse into what should be a very bright future. Despite some injury and durability concerns that have crept up over the past couple years, Clayton Kershaw has been very sturdy this year. In his 20th straight start of 6+ innings, Kershaw dropped his ERA to 2.77. Tim Beckham has received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
Isan Diaz hit a home run while his parents were being interviewed, and their reaction was priceless. Jonathan Villar hit for the cycle for the Orioles, and he didn't even know it. With a home run robbery, a double, and a homer, Bryan Reynolds is putting the baseball world on notice. He's gotten off to a slow start this season, but Vlad Jr. took home AL Player of the Week. Will he be an MVP candidate some day? All this, plus a full recap of every game!
The Detroit Tigers reportedly turned down two blockbuster offers for Michael Fulmer in 2017, including deals for Javier Baez and Alex Bregman. Those two players have gone on to become some of the best in the game, while the Tigers are in a deep rebuild. Did the Red Sox management give up on the season by not acquiring bullpen help at the Trade Deadline? Boston's playoff hopes have essentially vanished. Whether it's starting or relieving, Devin Smeltzer just does whatever the Twins ask of him - and he's been impressive. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
Aaron Sanchez led the way to the Astros' second ever combined no-hitter. If Sanchez "flips the switch" in Houston, should we just start printing their World Series banners? DJ Lemahieu's season stands in stark contrast to his career numbers, and few people saw this coming. Might Ronald Acuna Jr. have a chance at a 40-40 season? All this, plus a full recap of every game!
For a few innings last night, Vince Velasquez was the best left fielder in baseball. The Phillies right-hander has an outfield assist and a diving catch in a strong effort as a defensive replacement. Jason Heyward is fitting in nicely at the leadoff spot, in his best offensive season as a Cub. Despite all the noise being made about Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich, Mike Trout has joined them atop the HR leaderboard. Bellinger and Yelich are doing what Trout has done for several years now. Bryan Reynolds is flying under the radar in Pittsburgh, but he has legitimate tools and a high ceiling. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
It's time to start paying more attention to Juan Soto. Only one other player has had a higher wRC+ through their age 20 season. A fan named Nathan Patterson was throwing 96 mph at a stadium pitching booth. He has signed with the Oakland A's. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
After acquiring Zack Greinke, Aaron Sanchez, and Joe Biagini at the deadline, the Houston Astros should be the World Series favorites. On paper, their pitching staff is the best in baseball and should be a tough matchup for any playoff opponent. We breakdown the various trades that occurred yesterday, and their impacts on each ball-club. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
The Reds have acquired Trevor Bauer. Cincinnati sent top prospect Taylor Trammell to the San Diego Padres. The Indians received Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen from the Padres. The Indians filled their need for outfield bats, but what are the Reds planning to do with Bauer, and how good is Taylor Trammell? All this, plus a full recap of every game!
Jason Vargas is headed to the Phillies. Philadelphia hopes the lefty can step into a rotation that's taken a collective step back this year. Anthony Rendon led the way for the Nats with a grand slam. What else does he need to do to earn an extension from the Nationals? The Padres have an electric 1-2 punch at the top of their lineup, and the Blue Jays' kids are all grown up. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
The Mets have acquired Marcus Stroman. With their playoff chances looking slim, what might the Mets be trying to accomplish here? Trevor Bauer hurled a ball over the CF fence in frustration. Is he under-performing, or is his season a classic example of regression to the mean? With Bo Bichette's call-up, the Blue Jays' infield is full of MLB bloodlines. All this, plus a full recap of every game!
By trading for Sergio Romo, the Twins hope to bolster their bullpen and take some pressure off Taylor Rogers. Was Ramon Laureano's home run pimp disrespectful, or should we just reset our expectations and embrace this new style of baseball? Fernando Tatis just might mess round and win the NL Rookie of the Year, but is he the best young talent we've seen since Mike Trout? All this, plus a full recap of every game!
For the 5th time in his career, Mookie Betts hit 3 HR's in a game. However, the reigning AL MVP is not on Mike Trout's level. Paul Goldschmidt is heating up, and has put the Cardinals on his back. JP Crawford is pretty silky over at SS. How much does he have to hit to be a star? All this, plus a full recap of every game!
Father Time hasn't caught up with Nelson Cruz yet. The 39 year old slugger popped off for the Twins, with an impressive HR display. The Red Sox lineup has awoken. Thanks to their recent hot stretch, the Giants might just hang on to Madison Bumgarner. Troy Tulowitzki hangs up his cleats, following an illustrious career.