Baseball Connection

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.

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.