Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss how they've come around on Joc Pederson, if we'll see more offense as the weather turns, Josh Donaldson's one-game suspension for calling Tim Anderson “Jackie,” Rob Manfred's lack of leadership in the Donaldson decision, most disappointing teams to start the season and Buster's Home Run Derby gimmick. Then, Todd Radom stops by to deliver the Phantom Franchise and administer the weekly quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Passan and Buster discuss Josh Donaldson calling Tim Anderson “Jackie,” why Donaldson hasn't issued a mea culpa, what to expect when Trevor Bauer goes before an arbitrator to appeal his suspension, the Orioles calling up Adley Rutschman, the Yankees' in flux bullpen and who is currently the best player in baseball. Then, Sarah Langs stops by to talk about who she'd pick as the Yankees closer, Johnny Cueto's resurgence and the Dodgers' struggles in close games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karl Ravech and Buster discuss the Mets losing Max Scherzer, if the Braves miss Freddie Freeman's at-bats, the White Sox seemingly being a sleeping giant, if the Yankees have a hole, AJ Pollack on the mic for Sunday Night Baseball and Build-A-Park at Camden Yards. Then, Hembo on Bryce Harper's hat exchange, his newest baseball crush and the lack of precedent for a team potentially trading a talent like Juan Soto. Next, Bob Ryan stops by to talk about his new book “In Scoring Position: 40 Years of a Baseball Love Affair,” scoring every baseball game he's attended since 1977, witnessing the confrontation between Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson, playing HORSE against Jackson at his house, Roger Clemens' dominant performances, and a dinner with John Henry. Later, Jessica Mendoza on Oklahoma softball's utter dominance, Tim Anderson igniting the White Sox's comeback, the Diamondbacks' progress and if Madison Bumgarner could be moved to the Mets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alden Gonzalez and Buster discuss the Red Sox as mid-season sellers, if it makes sense for the Nationals to trade Juan Soto, the Angels' starting pitching and Shohei Ohtani's fastball command. Then, Todd Radom stops by to talk about Boston being 13 games out of first place in the AL East, deliver the Phantom Franchise and administer the weekly quiz. Later, Buster talks to Jason Heyward about the baseball academy he's building on Chicago's West Side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Albert Pujols making his pitching debut and how it looks like he's having more fun than ever, Adam Wainwright's stellar start, if Harrison Bader froze the glove from his Gold Glove season, and Shohei Ohanti's amazing weekend. Then, Sarah Langs stops by to talk about the most fun moments in baseball so far this season, Pirates winning without registering a hit and Ohtani's 100th home run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picture a baseball manager. Whatever image you've conjured in your mind of, say, a slightly out of shape, older man who's all business - it probably doesn't match Gabe Kapler, who manages the San Francisco Giants. Kapler is an enigma: an uber-buff fitness geek who only eats red meat. He sports well manicured facial hair and speaks in verse, sounding more like a poet than a baseball player. Tim Keown introduces us to Kapler, and how he's rewriting baseball's unwritten rules…and reimagining what it means to be a manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster for a special edition of Baggage Claim Monday on a Friday to discuss the Bryce Harper injury update and what this means for the future of the Phillies. Plus, they break down the impact of Aaron Judge and why he is an early leader for MVP. Then, Jessica Mendoza joins to give her take on the electronic strike zone and how it could bring in a younger viewership. Later, Buster answers your Bleacher Tweets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buster looks back at last night's Red Sox-Braves game where another blown strike call was a deciding factor in the outcome. Then, David Schoenfield stops by to discuss Reid Detmers' no-hitter, Justin Verlander's productive fastball, if Christian Yelich is turning a corner, the Yankees' secondary players stepping up, Jim Crane's hypocrisy and Buster's idea to improve the umpiring situation. Later, Todd Radom delivers the Phantom Franchise and administers the weekly quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buster Olney joins Karl Ravech to discuss why it felt like the Cubs had no chance against the Dodgers this weekend, if Los Angeles will run away with the National League, the number of teams on pace to win 100 games and Trevor Story getting booed in Boston. Then, Sarah Langs stops by to wax nostalgic about her time in Chicago, and talk about Walker Buehler's career WHIP, Wilmer Flores' bases loaded at-bats and Sunday's bonanza of games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hembo and Buster discuss the Phillies' collapse against the Mets, if panic or patience is needed for Philadelphia, the White Sox and Red Sox, and the only thing holding back the Blue Jays' lineup. Then, Tim Kurkjian stops by to talk about the Mets' comeback, the Buck Showalter-Aaron Boone dynamic in New York, Madison Bumgarner getting tossed and the Reds' unique ugliness. Later, Jessica Mendoza on a huge college softball series between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State this weekend, Shohei Ohtani's terrific outing in Boston and the issues festering in the Red Sox clubhouse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Boone and Buster Olney discuss Boone's unconscious superstitions while he's on a winning streak, the energy in the Yankees' clubhouse, why he wasn't worried about Aaron Judge after he turned down New York's contract offer, his team's defense and Dusty Baker. Then, David Schoenfield stops by to talk about Baker's 2,000th managerial win, Brian Cashman's offseason moves panning out, Judge's torrid start, if the Blue Jays need to add depth to their lineup and which division race will be more fun: AL East or NL West? Later, Later, Todd Radom shares his thoughts on the worst stadiums he's ever visited, delivers the Phantom Franchise and administers the weekly quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karl Ravech joins Buster to discuss Francisco Lindor's mic'd up performance on Sunday Night Baseball, the Mets' six game lead in the NL East and the upcoming series against the Braves, Bryce Harper looking off, the Angels' beach head of pitching, the Red Sox finding themselves in a deep hole after losing a series in Baltimore, and if Trevor Bauer will play in MLB again. Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on Kevin Gausman not yet allowing a walk, Clayton Kershaw breaking the Dodgers' all-time strikeout record and Max Scherzer's swings-and-misses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Mendoza joins Buster to discuss calling Dodger games, the Braves activating Ronald Acuña Jr., concern for Gavin Lux, Eric Hosmer's concentration and Joe West's comments on Angel Hernandez. Then, Hembo drops by to defend his scorching hot Albert Pujols take, contextualize the Pirates and Orioles' spending, and lay out how exactly Buck Showalter makes an impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Passan and Buster discuss Chris Bassitt's tough words for MLB about the baseballs, the year-over-year changes to the balls, their scorching hot takes, why the Yankees letter was a nothingburger and how we haven't yet seen the best of the Blue Jays. Then, Xavier Scruggs stops by to talk about the conversation in the Mets' clubhouse after Pete Alonso was hit again, what the Mets' pitching staff is doing so well thus far and Cody Bellinger hitting off speed pitches up the middle of the field. Later, Todd Radom shares his thoughts the umpires wearing logos on their uniforms, delivers the Phantom Franchise and administers the weekly quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Angel Hernandez's strike zone and Kyle Schwarber's meltdown, Bryce Harper wearing the mic for seven innings on Sunday Night Baseball, Eric Lauer's rising velocity, Miguel Cabrera's legacy after notching 3,000 hits, if Cabrera will be the last player to reach that milestone, Yankee fans throwing garbage on the field, and Eloy Jiménez going down. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on Jazz Newsome and Ozzie Albies' first-pitch home runs, Byron Buxton's walk-off homer, Cody Bellinger, and Cabrera. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karl Ravech and Buster discuss Aaron Boone walking Miguel Cabrera, Bryce Harper on the mic for Sunday Night Baseball, the Phillies escaping a sweep in Colorado, the Brewers needing Christian Yelich to perform to become a complete team and attendance bottoming out in Oakland. Then, Hembo on why he's upset about the lack of Cabrera coverage, the best left-handed pitcher in baseball and the ugly consequences of non-competitive behavior. Later, Jessica Mendoza stops by to talk about joining the Dodgers broadcast as an analyst, if Cody Bellinger is stabilizing, Bob Melvin's credibility in the Padres' clubhouse and a fun start to the season for the Mariners.

Buster examines the Mets' 9-3 start, coming on the heels of a forgettable 2021 season. Then, Jesse Rogers stops by to discuss the similarities of Joe Maddon's culture change with the Cubs in the mid-2010s to Buck Showalter's culture change with the Mets, the Cubs putting the ball in play, the White Sox's depth, Gerrit Cole's rough night out and the minor league pitch clock shaving off 20 minutes of game time. Later, Todd Radom shares his thoughts on the Padres' uniform ads, delivers the Phantom Franchise and administers the weekly quiz.

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Tim moving heavy things, baseball not disappointing with Freddie Freeman's home run against the Braves, Ronald Acuña Jr. starting his minor league rehab assignment, the Angels intentionally walking Corey Seager to score a run, the Red Sox leaving players behind as they head to Toronto and Jake Arrieta big-timing Tim in a Starbucks. Then, Sarah Langs stops by to play The Numbers Game with notes on sock height, Seiya Suzuki's low chase rate, Hunter Green's 100 mph pitches, the Mets' rotation ERA and a confused Mike Trout.

Buster Olney pays tribute to Jackie Robinson and discusses the legacy he leaves behind on the game. Then, Karl Ravech joins Buster to break down if Clayton Kershaw should have been pulled after pitching a perfect game through seven innings and the instability of the Padres. Plus, Jessica Mendoza shares what Jackie Robinson means to her and the struggles of Gerrit Cole. Later, Hembo joins Buster to discuss the emerging star of Steven Kwan and the games he's excited for this weekend. 

It's been 75 years since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, becoming the first Black player to take the field in Major League Baseball in 1947. Jackie was a specific player chosen at a specific time, when baseball was highly aligned with Black popular culture. But what happened between baseball and Black America in the decades after Jackie's pivotal act? Why didn't baseball become a majority Black sport, like basketball and football? Why didn't MLB follow the culture into hip hop or grow its Black fan base? Jesse Washington uses his own lapsed baseball fandom to explore these questions with guests like Public Enemy's Chuck D, Jackie's son David Robinson, and current players and executives.

Buster Olney discusses what makes Guardians rookie Steven Kwan special, his record-breaking performance, and Kwan's biggest hit of the season thus far. Then, Alden Gonzalez breaks down future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols' homer and mission to prove himself, the standing ovation Alec Bohm received from the Philadelphia crowd, and if the Dodgers are truly the best team in baseball. Later, Todd Radom shares this week's Phantom Franchise and quiz.

Tim Kurkjian and Buster look back on the first weekend and discuss the Guardians' Steven Kwan looking like the best player in baseball, Rob Manfred gifting all the players headphones, a culture shift within the Mets' locker room, Red Sox hitters complaining how fast Yankee pitchers were working with PitchCom, if Cody Bellinger is in trouble, which side blew it in Aaron Judge's contract negotiations and the Braves' championship rings. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on Hunter Greene's heat, Kwan, and the Twins' consecutive runs via the homer.

Jessica Mendoza and Buster discuss how they took in Opening Day, how PitchCom is already speeding up the game, Bobby Witt Jr.'s big league debut, the best part of Shohei Ohtani's Opening Day, and Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman's “clash” in Atlanta. Then, Buster takes a closer look at Joey Votto turning over a new leaf on social media and his mic'd up performance during last night's broadcast. Later, Todd Radom has this week's Phantom Franchise and quiz.

Buster Olney and Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos discuss celebrating the World Series in Atlanta with the fans on Opening Day, the process of designing the championship rings, when Ronald Acuña Jr. may return, early impressions of Matt Olson and his thoughts on PitchCom. Then, Karl Ravech stops by to talk about his excitement for the season to start, the potential reception for Olson, how the Braves are feeling heading into a title defense, Joey Votto's TikToks and José Ramírez's new contract with the Guardians. Later, Hembo on Ramírez, the three most important players this season and potentially the best player in baseball through April.

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Tim's duties at Brian Cashman's Catholic University Hall of Fame induction, the Padres trading for Sean Manaea, if the A's are retooling or tanking, the Mets' pitching woes with Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer's injuries, deGrom still insisting he's going to opt out of his contract at the end of the year, where Buster thinks deGrom will end up, and the White Sox trading Craig Kimbrel for AJ Pollock from the Dodgers. Then, Buster talks to Yankees GM Brian Cashman about Tim's handling of his Hall of Fame induction, making trades during the weekend's festivities, his comments about the 2017 ALCS, recommending Carlos Beltrán for the YES Network, improving the team's defense and Josh Donaldson. Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game.

Karl Ravech joins Buster to discuss Matt Olson, Jacob deGrom's shoulder tightness, the Mets' need for pitching security, whether the Cardinals or Brewers will win the NL Central and why Brian Cashman should've kept his thoughts on the 2017 Yankees to himself. Then, Todd Radom shares his thoughts on the Nationals' cherry blossom uniforms, delivers the first Phantom Franchise entry and administers the weekly quiz.

Buster and David Schoenfield discuss Oneil Cruz being sent to the minors, how the Cruz move underscores the lack of substantive changes in service time manipulation and tanking, if Bobby Witt Jr. is the favorite for AL rookie of the year, and offseason grades for the Braves, Yankees and the NL Central. Then, Hembo makes that case for an all-time great season from the Dodgers' lineup, explains why he's picking the White Sox to win the World Series and shares which players he thinks will be break out stars.

Tim Kurkjian and Buster Olney discuss the Oscars slap heard around the world, the communication breakdown between Freddie Freeman and the Braves, Albert Pujols signing with the Cardinals, why Bobby Witt Jr. should be on the Royals' Opening Day roster, MLB continuing to check for sticky stuff, and Max Scherzer looking ready to go. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on the Mets throwing two multi-time Cy Young winners, if Gerrit Cole can lead the AL in strikeouts, Shohei Ohtani pitching and hitting on Opening Day, and what St. Louis can expect from Pujols this season.

Buster starts the show examining the Orioles' continuing tank-a-thon as oddsmakers peg Baltimore's 2022 win total at 62.5 games. Then, Todd Radom stops by to discuss Vanderbilt's new logo and his new weekly series Phantom Franchises, as well as administer the first quiz of the year. Then, Karl Ravech on New York City lifting its vaccine mandate for athletes, the looming issue of needing to be vaccinated to travel to Toronto, wins totals for the AL East and NL West, and the return of the ghost runner in extra innings.

Hembo joins Buster to give his three bold predictions for this season. Plus, Buster pays homage to Max Scherzer after his performance Monday. Then, Joon Lee joins Buster to discuss the suspected content in the letter that will be released by the courts from Rob Manfred to the Yankees. Later, Buster answers this week's Bleacher Tweets.

Buster Olney reports on the historic class of free agent shortstops all finally finding homes. Then, Tim Kurkjian stops by to discuss the Twins signing Carlos Correa, Trevor Story landing with the Red Sox, Freddie Freeman making less money with the Dodgers than he would've with the Braves, how much of a difference Bob Melvin will make on the Padres and potential bubble teams in MLB's expanded playoffs. Later, Sarah Langs has notes on which team still needs starting pitching, the Braves' bullpen, the Yankees' defense and the Tigers' defense.

Karl Ravech and Buster discuss Freddie Freeman landing with the Dodgers, L.A. and Atlanta's contract numbers for Freeman not being far off, Kris Bryant signing with Colorado making no sense, Chris Sale's broken ribs, and their surprised that the Red Sox haven't been more aggressive. Then, Buster examines the hyper-competitive AL East. Later, Hembo stops by to talk about why the Braves moving on from Freeman in favor of Matt Olson was a smart move, if Bryant will still be in Colorado in seven years, why he thinks the Yankees are going to finish fourth in the division, his lack of enthusiasm for Kyle Schwarber in Philadelphia and the Mariners.

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Fernando Tatis Jr.'s wrist injury and how the Padres are going to have trouble scoring runs, the Mariners trading for Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suárez, Joe Maddon' bungled attempt to move Mike Trout to right field, the Yankees improving defensively, the Braves trading for Matt Olson and closing the door on signing Freddie Freeman. Then, Buster gets reaction from Dansby Swanson, Ian Anderson, Ozzie Albies and Alex Anthopoulos on the Freeman news. Later, Marly Rivera stops by to talk about Josh Donaldson and Gerrit Cole ironing out their differences, Donaldson bringing a spark to the Yankees' clubhouse, and how Max Scherzer and Buck Showalter will be good for Francisco Lindor.

Sarah Langs joins Buster to discuss the competitive advantage of the vaccination status of players. Then, they break down the blockbuster deal of the Yankees acquiring Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela. Next, Austin Riley met with Buster and fellow reporters at camp discussing their chances of repeating a championship and the absence of Freddie Freeman. Finally, Buster answers this week's bleacher tweets. 

Tim Kurkjian and Buster convene for an emergency pod to discuss the end of the lockout, why they're excited to see which moves the Yankees and Dodgers make, keeping an eye on the A's, if the Brewers will deal Josh Hader for a bat, their thoughts on Carlos Correa and Trevor Story, if there will be backchannel conversations about other rule changes, if enough was done to combat tanking, and the mini-revolt among the players that forced the end of the lockout.

Red Sox pitcher and friend of the pod Rich Hill joins Buster to discuss potential rule changes in baseball, the need to streamline instant replay, if the pitch clock gives an advantage to hitters, whether the shift should be banned or tweaked, why bigger bases make sense and devaluing starting pitching. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about where labor negotiations stand, the qualifying offer creating a bottleneck, the conversation around the international draft being a bad look, Steve Cohen's Twitter likes, Rob Manfred's job performance and Scott Boras' assessment of the lockout's media coverage.

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss MLB canceling games, the erosion of fan support this decision will cause, the shortsightedness of negotiations, handwringing over the luxury tax, the union's path of non-engagement, if the owners are trying to break the union and Tim having never played a single video game.

Jesse Rogers and Buster discuss how close the players and the league are to a labor deal, what it's been like covering these negotiations, the remaining issues to be resolved, the leverage players have with playoff format proposals, Derrick Jeter steps down as Marlins CEO and the Jesse Rogers rule of owning a team. Then, Buster talks to a group of Bleacher Tweeters to get their thoughts on the labor fight, and what they'd say to owners and players. Later, Scott Van Pelt on why the Orioles' poor performance has led him to apathy about the strike.

Kiley McDaniel joins Buster to discuss his top 100 prospect list, when the Orioles will debut Adley Rutschman, if there's more pressure on teams to call players up, the rhetoric surrounding Anthony Volpe, O'Neil Cruz's potential impact for the Pirates, Kiley's draft board and if Freddie Freeman stays with the Braves. Then, Buster's conversation with a group of major leaguers who are working out in Nashville as they wait for the labor situation to be resolved. Later, Todd Radom stops by to talk about uniform updates in 2022, the Yankees retiring Paul O'Neil's number, and Buster turns the table on the quiz. 

Jeff Passan and Buster discuss the Eric Kay trial and opioid use among pitchers, why labor negotiations feel like falling in a dream down an infinite cavern, and the parallels to the 1981 strike. Then, Jessica Mendoza stops by to talk about running into Kyle Schwarber decked out Bengals' gear at the Super Bowl, the absurdity of negotiations taking place over short meetings on Zoom, and her thoughts on Rachel Balkovec and the wave of women being hired to important roles in MLB. Later, Hembo on which players will benefit most from the universal DH, this year's Rams and Bengals in baseball, and which prospect will have the biggest impact.

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss updates in the labor negotiations, what team first baseman Freddie Freeman will sign with, and how stopping steroid testing will affect the game. Next, Buster sits down with the executive director for Advocates for Minor Leaguers Harry Marino and player Rhett Wiseman to shed light on the living conditions of minor league players and what changes need to be made. Later, Buster answers this week's Bleacher Tweets. 

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss the state of the labor negotiations, if the owners should throw the players a bone after steamrolling them, the lack of consistent back-and-forth, the NFL's blockbuster playoffs looming in the background of the talks, ESPN unveiling its top-100 MLB players of all-time, their logic when assembling their rankings, and the debates that have emerged from Nos. 100-51. Later, Doug Glanville stops by to talk about his piece on why he's fine with Barry Bonds not making the Hall of Fame.

Hembo and Buster discuss the relevancy and money MLB is losing as labor talks drag on, David Ortiz's election to the Hall of Fame, and if his election will help Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez get into the Hall. Then, Rich Hill stops by to talk about signing for his 18th season with the Boston Red Sox, the AL East, involving his son with team activities, his worry for the sport's health if a labor agreement is not reached soon, his concerns with a potentially shortened spring training and the automated strike zone.

Buster Olney discusses the latest news in the MLB. Then, Sarah Langs joins Buster to share her top three Australian-born players in honor of Buster's special guest this week, Genevieve Beacom. Then, Buster talks with the 17-year old Beacom, who is the first woman to pitch professionally in Australia. Plus, Jeff Passan joins Buster to discuss the updates in the labor negotiations. Finally, Buster answers your questions with this week's bleacher tweets. 

Jesse Rogers and Buster discuss the career of Jon Lester following his retirement announcement this morning. Plus, they break down if Lester has the possibility of entering the Hall of Fame. Then, Buster and Jesse discuss the labor situation and if there is any progress being made on the path to an agreement. Later, Buster is joined by Hembo to debate who is in their top ten player positional rankings.

Sarah Langs and Buster discuss the chances of Barry Bonds, Rogers Clemens, Curt Schilling, David Ortiz and others being elected to the Hall of Fame this year. Then, Derrick Goold stops by to talk about the negativity surrounding the Hall of Fame voting process, the slow-drip of results, what they would change about the voting process and if writers should even participate.

Buster Olney remembers the life and tragic passing of Roberto Clemente on New Year's Eve of 1972 with three distinct voices. First, Buster talks to former Pirates pitcher Steve Blass about meeting Clemente as an 18-year-old minor leaguer, when he heard the news of the plane crash, spring training of 1973 feeling like an extension of the memorial, what Clemente was like in the clubhouse and why no one could take their eyes off of him. Then David Maraniss, author of Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero, stops by to talk about his live broadcast relaying the news of Clemente's death, why he decided to write a Clemente biography, the awe Clemente inspired in fellow players and Manny Sanguillén searching for Clemente's body. Finally, longtime MLB player and coach Joey Cora discusses learning of Clemente's death at the age of seven, Clemente putting Puerto Rico on the map, how Clemente paved the way for all Puerto Rican players in MLB and his favorite Clemente highlight.

David Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss abstaining from Twitter, Freddie Freeman and Carlos Correa in free agency limbo, the riskiness of the Mets not hiring Buck Showalter, and what comes to David's mind when thinking about the 1994 Expos. Then, the GM for the 1994 Expos Kevin Malone stops by to talk about his work for the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, Montreal ownership forcing him to dismantle the '94 Expos as a result of the labor strike, why he thinks that dismantling was the beginning of the end of baseball in Montreal and what the free agency situation may look like once a labor agreement is reached. Later, Hembo has more on the '94 Expos and plays the Hall of Fame Game with Buster.

Sarah Langs joins Buster to discuss her favorite Tim Kurkjian story as he's up for the National Baseball Hall of Fame's BBWAA Career Excellence Award, and her thoughts on the newest inductees to the Hall. Then, Tim Kurkjian stops by to talk about how he's been feeling as he awaits word on the vote, his connection to Walter Johnson, the worst mistake he's ever made and the continued stalemate between owners and players in labor negotiations. Later, Jim Kaat on being elected to the Hall of Fame, what it was like waiting for the call, his fellow inductees and what he would change about Hall of Fame voting.

Jeff Passan joins Buster to discuss the official start of the lockout, the forever fight over money, the poor working relationship between the players and owners, the importance of message discipline, each side's soft underbelly and how much spending will occur when the labor situation is resolved. Then, Hembo stops by to discuss his research on the middle class dilemma, his favorite free agent signing and his least favorite signing. Later, Buster and Tim Kurkjian suspend reality and hit on all the major signings from the last week.

Jesse Rogers joins Buster to discuss the intrigue around this year's Hall of Fame ballot, how they think voters will treat David Ortíz, if Curt Schilling will make it in, the expectation that there will be a lock out, how a lockout would crush the middle class of players, Carlos Correa contract predictions from executives, the biggest names that are likely to be traded this offseason and keeping an eye on the Rangers. Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on the Comeback Player of the Year, Noah Syndergaard and Guerrero family MVP votes.