2 Tools Baseball Podcast

EP 134: This week, Alex and Travis open with a deep dive on the Orioles and try to figure out why they have started the season so poorly. They go on to discuss the drama surrounding Rafael Devers' position and Kyle Schwarber's surprising consistency, before closing with their thoughts on a potential Paul Skenes trade and a recap of the heating up Angels' winning streak.

EP 133: This week Alex and Travis open by putting Aaron Judge's current stretch of dominance into a historical context. Then, they review the biggest surprises teams, both good and bad, thus far in 2025, before shedding some light on some breakout Nationals stars that came from the 2022 Juan Soto trade.

EP 132: Alex opens with a discussion on the stacked crop of right fielders going into the new season, and then he previews the 2025 MLB season by breaking down the win-loss projections for each division on Fangraphs.

EP 131: This week, Alex and Travis open with a look back at Joey Votto's Hall of Fame-caliber career by going through his accomplishments and comparing him to other Hall of Fame greats. Then, they take a look at the tight standings across each division in MLB, before reacting to the viral "Greatest Living Players" list posted by MLB Network. Alex and Travis close with a discussion on Perry Minasian's new extension as Angels' GM and what it means for the future of his team.

EP 130: This episode, Alex and Travis open with a look back at the biggest moves of the trade deadline and try to anticipate how this will affect teams in the second half of the season. Then, they both present their current 2024 All-MLB Teams and debate the best players at each position this year with two months left in the season.

EP 129: Alex and Travis open with a discussion about how open the NL Wildcard race is with many surprising teams still in the mix. Then, they dive into Shohei Ohtani's stats to determine if he is at his peak the best Dodgers hitter ever. Alex and Travis debate who the All Star Game representative will be for an underwhelming Angels team and react to the first two 2024 All Star selections. 

EP 128: This week Alex and Travis open by breaking down the underwhelming AL West. Then, they highlight the unexpected names on the top 10 ERA leaderboard to start the season, before diving into some teams that may be looking to sell key players sooner than later. Alex and Travis close by recapping and sharing their thoughts on the recent merging of statistical records between MLB and the Negro Leagues.

EP 127: Alex and Travis open with an icebreaker on which MLB player we would pick to start a franchise. Then, they discuss how the Luis Arraez trade has helped the Padres and what it means for the Marlins going forward. Alex and Travis go on to analyze the surprisingly poor  offensive numbers by the Blue Jays to start the season, before breaking down everything going wrong with the Angels right now.

EP 126: Alex and Travis open with a conversation about the players who are stuck at zero home runs to start the MLB season. They analyze the first month for several different young players, including Spencer Torkelson, Vlad Guerrero Jr., Alec Bohm, Jo Adell, and Gunnar Henderson, to determine what trends have these players playing below or above expectations. Then, Alex and Travis try to determine who the best pitcher in baseball is right now given all of the major injuries.

EP 125: This week Alex and Travis open by taking a look at the worst hitters and pitchers in MLB so far this season and determining what their issues are and if there is real cause for concern. Then, they go through each division one by one to see how playoff odds have shifted since Opening Day for each team. Alex and Travis close by detailing their new project and complete the exercise of choosing 15 Angels players to keep safe from a potential expansion draft.

EP 124: This week, Alex and Travis open with a discussion about the growing concern around elbow injuries for pitchers in the league today. Then, they walk through several trends early in the MLB season and determine if they think these things are overreactions or legit: Trout in MVP conversation? Volpe is an all-star? Red Sox have the best rotation in baseball? Arenado is washed?! Elly de la Cruz needs a trip to the minors?!

EP 123: Alex and Travis start the episode by taking a look at each division one by one and discussing how they see each team performing in the 2024 season. They both pick a sleeper team that they think will do better than expected this year. Alex and Travis then take a look at the favorites for the MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year awards and discuss which players have favorable odds heading into the season. They close the episode with their way-too-early World Series predictions.

EP 122: Alex and Travis share their thoughts on the contract extensions of Bobby Witt Jr. and Jose Altuve, before diving into their analysis on recent free agency signings like Kershaw staying put, Liam Hendriks to Boston, Jorge Soler to the Giants, and more. Then, they break down the 5 biggest remaining free agents, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, and JD Martinez, and try to figure out where they might land as Spring Training ramps up.

EP 121: Alex and Travis open with their day 1 reaction to the Orioles trading for Corbin Burnes under new ownership. They discuss how this impacts the Orioles and how the Brewers will stack up in the NL Central after trading their ace. Alex and Travis break down what the Josh Hader signing means for the Astros, before recapping other big moves throughout the league: Polanco to Seattle, Justin Turner to Toronto, Pederson to Arizona, and the Angels adding depth. The close with their thoughts on the 3 new Hall of Famers along with the other ballot results and a bonus sneak preview at newcomers to the 2025 Hall of Fame Ballot.

EP 120: Alex and Travis review the Dodgers' busy offseason after they load up with Yamamoto, Glasnow, Margot, and Teoscar Hernandez. Then they breakdown the other big moves across MLB: Robbie Ray to the Giants, Chris Sale to Atlanta, Stroman to the Yankees, and much more. Alex and Travis recap and critique the official 2023 All-MLB Team, before closing with their thoughts on the 2024 Hall of Fame Ballot. They discuss the newcomers, the players they would vote for, and the players they think will be inducted to Cooperstown this year.

EP 119: Shohei Ohtani etches his name in sports history again with his $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Alex and Travis discuss every angle of this monumental deal, before diving into other hot stove news and predicting landing spots for the biggest names left on the market.

EP 118: Alex and Travis open with a conversation about the Seattle Mariners taking a step back offensively as they trade away key position players. Then, they discuss the Yankees' 2024 hopes as they add Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, before breaking down other free agency signings across MLB. Orioles bolster their pen with Craig Kimbrel; the Angels sign multiple relievers; and the Braves, Rays, and Rangers all add relief arms over the past week. Alex and Travis end with a brief recap on the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes as we near his big decision.

EP 117: This week Alex and Travis open with their reactions to Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuna Jr both winning unanimous MVP awards. Then, they discuss the hirings of Mike Shildt as Padres manager and Brad Ausmus as Yankees bench coach, before jumping into the big free agency news topics of the week. Aaron Nola is staying in Philadelphia, the Braves make shrewd moves for under the radar names, and the Cardinals add old veteran starting pitchers. No surprises!

EP 116: Alex and Travis breakdown the Cubs hiring Craig Counsell, the Angels hiring Ron Washington, and all the other managerial moves across MLB to start the offseason. Then, they share their thoughts on the recently announced Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Cy Young Awards, before analyzing this season's AL and NL Platinum Glove award winners. Alex and Travis close with a discussion about recent revelations about the Angels' internal turnover and anti-analytic developments within their organization.

EP 115: Alex and Travis react to the Texas Rangers winning the 2023 World Series. They give their thoughts on how the Rangers were able to come out on top and what went wrong for the Diamondbacks. Additionally, Alex and Travis discuss new developments on managerial hiring rumors throughout MLB, the official announcement of Shohei Ohtani's free agency, and other first headlines of the offseason.

EP 114: Alex and Travis breakdown the biggest moments, headlines, and trends of ALCS and NLCS. They discuss how the Astros and Phillies got cold at the wrong time, and they preview what a Rangers Diamondbacks World Series will look like. Additionally, Alex and Travis talk about Dusty Baker's pending retirement, Bob Melvin joining the Giants, and managerial vacancies across MLB.

EP 113: Alex and Travis recap their thoughts on the surprises of the Division Series round, before breaking down both 2-0 series in the ALCS and NLCS. How much trouble are the Astros and D-Backs in? Who has a bigger edge between the Phillies and the Rangers? Alex and Travis close with a discussion about general manager Kim Ng's sudden departure from the Marlins and how the Brewers will approach the offseason after Brandon Woodruff's unfortunate injury update.

EP 112: Alex and Travis open with their reactions to each of the Wild Card Series sweeps. Then, they preview the 2 ALDS and 2 NLDS series coming up and give their predictions for who will advance to the Championship Series. They close with their thoughts on the upcoming Angels manager decision and the Mets-Eppler investigation by MLB.

Alex and Travis host an emergency podcast to break down each of the Wild Card series to kick off the 2023 MLB Playoffs!

EP 110: This week, Alex and Travis open with their reaction to Ronald Acuna Jr reaching the 40 home run 70 stolen base milestone. They break down several seasons from players across MLB who are having seasons that are a lot better or worse than you would expect. Then, they discuss how the Brewers have been able to remain a legitimate playoff team despite a remarkably subpar offense. Alex and Travis try figure out where the Padres go from here after some concerning Josh Hader comments, before closing a with a tribute to the late great Brooks Robinson.

EP 109: Alex and Travis open with a discussion on Adam Wainwright's bittersweet season as he reaches 200 career wins. Then, they dive into the controversial firing of Red Sox GM Chaim Bloom, before switching gears to some interesting off the field developments for George Kirby and Alek Manoah. Alex and Travis break down an incredibly underrated Juan Soto season and a confusing year for the Padres, and then give a quick update on their NL MVP tracker. They close with the news of Shohei Ohtani's UCL surgery, his cleaned out locker, and other drama surrounding the Angels' uncertain offseason.

EP 108: Alex and Travis open with the spiraling Angels, what went wrong, and what they try to do in the offseason. Then they shift to the Padres and discuss how that talented roster has failed to live up to the hype. They breakdown the future of the Mets and how this could impact Pete Alonso this coming offseason, before debating how the Dodgers have been able to dominate yet again with fewer big names on the roster than ever before. They close by picking sides on the tight race for NL MVP.

EP 107: Alex and Travis open with an ice breaker question that has them draft their greatest infield of all time. Then they give their thoughts on the major fluctuations happening in the NL Wild Card race over the past couple weeks. Alex and Travis go on to discuss some of the big risers and fallers this season in the Shortstop and Starting Pitcher Power Rankings. They debate some of the best AL MVP candidates that could win if not for Shohei Ohtani, and they close with some Dodgers optimism, White Sox dysfunction, and Rays woes.

EP 106: This week Alex and Travis cover all the big moves that occurred over the last week before the MLB trade deadline. They give their takes on if teams actually moved the needle on their postseason chances, and they debate which teams made good or bad decisions as both wild card races and several divisions still hang in the balance.

EP 105: This week, Alex and Travis open with a breakdown on the greatest single day of baseball ever played by one player. They die into the news that Ohtani will remain an Angel in 2023 as the Angels add Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez. The Dodgers kick off their deadline by adding depth in Kiké Hernandez and Amed Rosario. Alex and Travis proceed by discussing which teams will become buyers and sellers before the trade deadline, and they debate who will end up on top of a dead even NL Wild Card race. They close with their thoughts on the fluctuating awards odds, as some accolades are completely up for grabs and other award races are already over.

EP 104: The Shohei Ohtani trade deadline buzz is becoming one of the hottest topics in sports. Alex and Travis give their takes on the situation from every angle: the Angels' perspective, potential buyers, who could extend him, his future contract, and more. Then, Alex and Travis discuss the first notable trade of the trade season as Shintaro Fujinami is sent to the Orioles to bolster their bullpen. Finally, they close with a breakdown on where the Yankees go from here after falling to 5th place in the AL East and several holes in their roster.

EP 103: This week, Alex and Travis open with a conversation about the Shohei Ohtani decision that looms over the Angels as the trade deadline approaches. They discuss some Dodgers pitching woes and a questionable pre-season prediction, before revealing and debating their 1st Half All-MLB teams. Alex and Travis close with their thoughts on the 2023 All-Star Game rosters, the key snubs, and a quick prediction on the Home Run Derby.

EP 102: Alex and Travis open with their selections between the finalists at each position on the 2023 All-Star Game ballot. Then, they break down some of the hot hitters in MLB right now, including Jordan Walker and Luis Arraez. They debate if Arraez can earn MVP consideration by hitting .400. Finally, Alex and Travis review the current Wild Card race standings in each league and discuss how they see the playoff picture shaping up as we reach the halfway point of the season.

EP 101: This week, Alex and Travis catch up on the biggest headlines in MLB this month: deGrom hurt, Elly de la Cruz debut, Luis Arraez chasing .400, and Corbin Carroll's breakout as a superstar. They answer some debate questions about the Yankees struggles and about who the better young superstar is between Corbin and Julio. Finally, Alex and Travis present their updated Power Rankings for the top 10 teams in MLB, and they debate where some of the best teams stand at the halfway point of the season.

EP 100: This week, Alex and Travis open by picking the biggest surprises, both good and bad, through two months of the season. They cover respond to some fun tweets about the best lefty hitter since bonds and if it makes sense to try Ohtani as an outfielder/reliever combo. Then, Alex and Travis explain their picks for their updated All-MLB teams through May, before debating their picks for Player of the Month. Lastly, they give some love to promising players like rookie sensation Ben Joyce and take a look at early MVP favorites for 2023. Can anyone prevent another Judge/Ohtani two-man race? Wander, you're our only hope...

This week, Alex and Travis open with a fun breakdown of the best #99 players across US sports in celebration of episode 99, before discussing the drama surrounding the viral Aaron Judge peek. Then, Alex and Travis go over the notable players and teams through the first quarter of the season and give out midterm report card grades.

EP 98: Alex and Travis open with praise and a career retrospective on Kenley Jansen and his 400 career saves milestone. They break down some of the key pitching injuries and how they are impacting the season, specifically in the race for the AL West, before having a larger conversation about the current weakness of both central divisions and a proposed solution to restore balance to MLB. Alex and Travis then discuss some potential early trade pieces, buyers, and sellers as the season's standings begin to take form. They close with a brief look back at the Arraez-Lopez trade that many describe as a win-win.

EP 97: Alex and Travis open with the news that Bryce Harper has been cleared to DH for the Phillies as soon as Tuesday, then they jump into other storylines across the league: bad White Sox, bad Cardinals, good Pirates, Robbie Ray out for season, Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom to the IL. They discuss and debate their picks for the 2023 April All-MLB team and pick their April Player of the Month. They close with their updated Top 10 Teams Power Rankings.

EP 96: This week Alex and Travis open by recapping the players of the week. Then, they go over some of the biggest storylines in MLB: from Hunter Greene's contract extension to Jeffrey Springs' Tommy John to Logan O'Hoppe's torn labrum and more. They play a game of start, bench, cut for the breakout young left handed outfielders in Brandon Marsh, Jarred Kelenic, and James Outman. Then, Alex and Travis take a stand on the MLB Starting Pitcher Power Rankings that MLB.com released over the weekend. 

EP 95: Alex and Travis open with a game of Panic Meter, discussing which teams amid slow starts should be worried about their play, including the Astros, Dodgers, White Sox, Cardinals, and more. Then, they discuss hot topics around the league from another deGrom injury to Zach Neto getting called up to Pablo Lopez's extension. They close with a discussion about Bryce Harper's looming return to the Phillies and if it makes sense for him to see action as a first baseman.

EP 94: Alex and Travis open with this week's players of the week before diving into the top storyline: the Rays dominance. They play a game of Buyers or Sellers, discussing the AL East, the Brewers hot bats vs the Cardinals weak arms, Logan O'Hoppe rookie breakout, Adley Rutschman as the best catcher in baseball, and more. Then, Alex and Travis unveil and debate the top 10 teams in their first Power Rankings of the 2023 season.

EP 93: Alex and Travis open with their thoughts on the legendary finale of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. With Opening Day nearly upon us, Alex and Travis discuss their predictions and their favorite bets for the 2023 MLB season, from breakout candidates to award winners to playoff results and everything in between.

EP 92: Alex and Travis open with a full recap of all the storylines coming out of the group phase of the World Baseball Classic, from superstar performances to shocking upsets to tragic injuries. Then they discuss the confusing direction of the 2023 Miami Marlins after two more odd signings. Alex and Travis debate the best position players and pitchers of this generation in response to online disagreement on baseball Twitter, and they close with their over/under picks for the 2023 records of AL and NL West teams.

EP 91: Alex and Travis open with their reaction to Manny Machado's huge extension and what it means for the Padres and the 2024 free agency class. They recap some of the big injuries that have already occurred during Spring Training. Then Alex and Travis unveil their top 25 position players in MLB for the 2023 season, debating their picks all the way down their lists. They close with an exercise of predicting over/unders for the 2023 records of all AL and NL Central teams.

Alex and Travis open with their thoughts on the drama surrounding Corbin Burnes arbitration case and how it affected his relationship with the Brewers. Then, they continue their rankings series by debating the top 20 outfielders and top 10 DHs for 2023 in MLB. Alex and Travis close with some predictions on over/under win totals for teams in the AL and NL East by comparing gambling lines with Fangraphs and PECOTA projections.

EP 89: Alex and Travis open the show with the only major free agency news: Michael Wacha signs with the Padres. Then, they debate who are the top 5 countries competing in this year's World Baseball Classic. Alex and Travis breakdown who they view as the top 10 players at each infield position and argue for who they think is better between notable players across MLB.

EP 88: Alex and Travis open by recapping the recent signings and trades as hot stove season transitions into Spring Training time. Then, they reveal their rankings for the top 10 catchers, starting pitchers, and relief pitchers in 2023, followed by debates at every position.

Alex and Travis react to the 2023 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot results, highlighted by the stunning announcement of Scott Rolen's Hall of Fame induction. Other key risers and fallers on this year's ballot, plus results and arguments for this year's newcomers and some first thoughts on the names that will be on the next Hall of Fame ballot.

EP 87: In a shocking turn of events, LA Angels owner Arte Moreno pulls out of all negotiations to sell the franchise as planned, citing the need to resolve unfinished business, despite interest from several bidders. Alex and Travis also breakdown some of the recent signings in MLB free agency plus a highly debated trade of Luis Arraez for Pablo Sandoval and prospects. Lastly, in preparation for Hall of Fame week, Alex and Travis dive into this years Hall of Fame ballot and discuss who think are worthy and unworthy of the historic honor.

EP 86: Alex and Travis open with biggest developing story of the offseason: Carlos Correa has signed with his third team of the offseason. Other teams across MLB reach deals with almost all of the remaining big name free agents, and young studs like Rafael Devers and Sean Murphy earn well-deserved extensions. Alex and Travis go on to break down which teams they think had the best and the worst offseasons in MLB this winter, before rounding things off with some brief well wishes to the tenacious closing pitcher Liam Hendriks given his recent cancer diagnosis.

EP 85: This week, Alex and Travis open with the most unbelievable switch up of the offseason: the Giants did not like his medical records so Carlos Correa is heading to the loaded New York Mets. The Mets are the clear favorites for the winner of the offseason award, and Alex and Travis have to decide how Correa stacks up against the other third basemen throughout baseball. Sluggers in free agency are finding new home teams throughout the AL and the NL this week, including top shortstop Dansby Swanson heading to the north side of Chicago. Now that the dust is settling in free agency: which team needs to make a push for Bryan Reynolds on the trade wire? And which remaining free agents still on the market would have the biggest impact if they signed with your favorite team? Alex and Travis breakdown all of this and more on this week's episode.