Bullpen Mafia Podcast

Javi and Toad are back in the studio! The boys welcome two new interns into the crew and announce the inaugural Mafia Meetup at loanDepot Park on Saturday, July 19th, against the Kansas City Royals. Then, Javi provides his unique perspective on Sandy Alcantara's struggles and his recent improvement. Is Brad Marchand the greatest Florida Panther of all time? The boys make their Omaha predictions, and spoiler alert, Toad's pick has already been eliminated. Javi and Toad then discuss the youth potential sweeping through Major League Baseball, specifically in Boston, Detroit, and Miami.

Kyle Wren from Elite Sports Advising joins the Bullpen Mafia to preview the NCAA Baseball Tournament. Kyle drops some serious knowledge on the guys, including his can't-miss regionals and which top seeds are primed to be upset. The guys debate whether the SEC is the top conference in the sport and if committee collusion is behind the ACC's snubs. The episode wraps with the guys and Kyle making their National Champion predictions.

Canes legend and former MLB second baseman Jemile Weeks (28:20) joins the Bullpen Mafia Podcast. An Orlando native from the middle of Gator Country, Jemile explains how he played for the University of Miami. Weeks reminisces with Javi and Toad about his time in Oakland and shares his thoughts on the current state of the A's. Prior to the interview, the guys recap the last few weeks of MLB headlines, including the Rafael Devers drama in Boston and the new Pope's ties to the White Sox.

The Hurricanes are HOT! The Miami Hurricanes are the winners of their last four ACC series, and they are playing their best baseball at the perfect time. Canes closer Brian Walters joins Javi and Toad on the Bullpen Mafia to discuss Miami's resurgence, sweeping Boston College, and playing in Fenway Park. Walters previews this weekend's critical series against NC State and why playing at a venue like Mark Light Field is so special.

Regular-season baseball is back! Toad and Producer Paul open the episode reacting to the biggest headlines of the first two weeks of the MLB season: torpedo bats, Atlanta's slow start, Ohtani's walk-off on his bobblehead night, and Opening Day. Then, Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (29:00) joins the Mafia to discuss his comeback and return to the mound, home run off of Clayton Kershaw, and more. The conversation with Brandon Woodruff was recorded during Spring Training.

Toad opens the episode solo (with Producer Paul) and admits why he's so critical about the Miami Marlins; it's emotional! Then, lead TV play-by-play voice of the Miami Marlins, Kyle Sielaff, (7:52) joins the Mafia live in the Magic City Sounds Studio. Kyle details his 13-year journey with the Marlins, his transition from the radio booth to television, and his favorite broadcasting moments. Kyle discusses the Marlins' “youth movement” and prospects who could make an impact in 2025. The episode ends with the upward trajectory of Major League Baseball and the progressive steps Rob Manfred has taken to innovate the sport.

Javi and Toad open the episode discussing the electric 4 Nations Face-Off. The USA-Canada rivalry has the Mafia ready for next year's World Baseball Classic. Fire up the hype machine: the best Opening Day pitching matchup is in Miami, Paul Skenes vs. Sandy Alcántara. Then, one of the top relievers in baseball and Houston Astros closer Josh Hader joins the show (29:39). Josh tells his call-up story, discusses preparing for the 2025 season, and shares details about his career as a closer. The episode wraps with Petey going off about the drama at Red Sox Spring Training (01:06:37) and the guys name their favorite all-time baseball video games.

The Road to Omaha starts this weekend! The Miami Hurricanes open the season Friday night and skipper JD Arteaga joins the Bullpen Mafia (11:43) to preview the 2025 season. JD breaks down Miami's overhauled roster and goes in-depth about the pitching staff led by Brian Walters and expectations for freshman All-American Daniel Cuvet's second season. Arteaga and Javi share stories about their time together; including a nightmarish bus ride home during Javi's freshman season. Miami's first game of the year is Friday night, February 14th, against Niagra at 7 PM ET.

The Bullpen Mafia is back! It's a new season in a new studio with new guests. Javi and Toad are joined by Miami legend and World Series champion Jon Jay (17:50) to discuss his Miami roots, extensive sneaker collection, and return to the St. Louis Cardinals. Jay explains why the city of Miami is so special to him and his new role in St. Louis. The guys open the episode by recapping the MLB offseason's biggest headlines, followed by Javi's experiences as a rookie pitcher in Spring Training.

Fish On First founder Ely Sussman joins the Bullpen Mafia (00:55) to discuss everything Miami Marlins. Sussman explains the origins of Fish On First and how the University of Miami grad started covering the Marlins. Sussman grades Marlins GM Peter Bendix's first season with the franchise, which young players impressed him in 2024, and what we should expect from the Fish in 2025. Ely provides his thoughts on Clayton McCullough, the next Marlins manager. The conversation wraps with the trio naming their three favorite Marlins players who exclusively played during the "Miami" era. Dodgers pro scout Jack Murphy returns to the Bullpen Mafia (54:17) to discuss what new Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough will bring to the organization. Murphy explains McCullough's demeanor and what to expect from the first-time manager and former Dodgers first-base coach.

The 2024 MLB Season ends as the Los Angeles Dodgers take down the New York Yankees in the World Series. The call-in segment features Dodgers pro scout Jack Murphy (8:44). Jack gives insight into Freddie Freeman's historic MVP performance, Will Smith's ability to manage the Dodgers' pitching rotation, and the organizational culture that makes the Dodgers special. In the back half of the episode (36:04), Javi and Toad recall the nine storylines that defined the 2024 Major League Baseball Season.

Are you not entertained?! One of the greatest postseasons in recent memory ends with a World Series matchup for the ages. Javi and Toad prepare you for the Fall Classic by dissecting every angle of this historic matchup. Will Aaron Judge cement himself in Yankee lore with a legendary World Series performance? Can Shohei Ohtani continue to mash with runners on base? Who will be the unsung hero that provides a spark for their club? In the back half of the episode, the Mafia is joined by Seattle Mariners OF Mitch Haniger (32:15). Mitch expresses his thoughts on the Mariners 2024 campaign and leans into his playoff experience to provide insight into the difference between regular and postseason baseball. Finally, Mitch and the guys make their World Series predictions.

Are we watching the best October baseball in years? Both AL and NL series have featured epic moments and Javi and Petey break them all down. Is Giancarlo Stanton a lock for the Hall of Fame? What is Juan Soto's next contract going to look like? Will there be a Game 7 in Los Angeles or are Shohei Ohtani and the Hollywood stars too much for the Mets? Then the Mafia is joined by Milwaukee Brewers analyst Tim Dillard (27:50). Dillard discusses the Brew Crew's season, their series against the Mets, and his transition to the broadcast booth. Tim even looks ahead to 2025 and expectations for the Brewers next season.

Welcome to Volume 9 of Middle Innings! Javi and Toad break down both the American and National League Division Series. Francisco Lindor has cemented himself as a Mets legend this postseason. Would he be the obvious choice for MVP if not for Shohei Ohtani? The guys are joined by Mets super fan Dan Hines (9:05) to discuss New York's playoff run and the NLCS. Hines provides his perspective from being in Citi Field as the Mets eliminated the Phillies. Is Dodgers-Padres the best rivalry in baseball? An electric West Coast NLDS made baseball bitter again. The Guardians were pushed to the brink by the upstart Tigers, but they're ready for a showdown with the Yankees. Buckle up. October baseball is here.

Emergency episode! MLB insider and USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale hops on (7:12) with the Javi and Toad to recap a wild Monday between the playoff-bound Mets and Braves. Nightengale was in Oakland for the A's final day in the Coliseum, providing his perspective on an emotional afternoon in the Bay Area. Bob makes his World Series prediction and explains why it won't be easy for some of the favorites. Then, Bob gives insight into the Miami Marlins managerial search after the official departure of Skip Schumaker.

The MLB Postseason is upon us and we have the perfect guest to prepare us: Chris "The Bear" Fallica. The FOX Sports betting expert joins the Bullpen Mafia to discuss his World Series favorites, what futures he has on the line and even gives insight into his career and iconic nickname. Javi, Petey, and Toad review the tense divisional and Wild Card races. How about those Detroit Tigers? Javi and Petey provide perspective on CJ Abrams' late-night (or early morning, depending on who you ask) gambling and some of their minor-league post-midnight excursions. The segment wraps with the guys picking their favorite all-time playoff home runs.

Welcome to Volume 8 of Middle Innings! With Toad on the road in Vegas, the guys lock in their World Series picks. Javi and Petey dive into the incredible Wild Card races in both leagues, including the Detroit Tigers, who have seemingly come out of nowhere. Is Shohei Ohtani the greatest baseball player in history? The guys discuss his recording-breaking performance in Miami against the Marlins. The episode wraps with an interview with Brooks Hall, a former draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers. Hall has played professional baseball for 14 years, spanning four different countries.

The one and only Danny Boy Cane joins the Mafia. DBC breaks down the Miami Hurricanes' huge win in the Swamp over the Gators and what he expects for the rest of the season. Javi, Petey, and Toad dive into MLB's tight division and wild card races as the postseason quickly approaches. Toad is in shambles about FSU's nightmare start and explains the tumultuous times in Tallahassee. And no, he will not eat dog poop out of a red Solo cup. Then the guys give their season predictions for the Dolphins and Patriots. St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andrew Kittredge hops on and chats about his call-up story and expectations for his Seattle Seahawks. Kitt discusses life in the bullpen and takes us inside the Cardinals fantasy football league.

Middle Innings is back for football season. Javi, Petey, and Toad discuss the return of college and NFL football. Petey picks a new favorite team while Toad copes with FSU's lackluster start to the season and Javi's Canes made a statement in Gainesville. The guys then go around the horn to pick their favorite post-game snacks and a special guest picker makes a surprise appearance and selection. Then Dario Pizzano, Director of Fundraising for Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis (MS4MS), joins the show (25:04) to promote the foundation's goals and upcoming event at Fenway Park. Learn more about the foundation at MS4MS.org and click here to purchase a ticket for Spreading Orange Day at Fenway Park on September 21st. Dario also dives into his experience at the Little League World Series and when his team lost to Tom Brady at the ESPYs.

The boys are back! Javi and Toad recap their weekend in Chicago after taking in a couple of games at Wrigley Field. Their experience at The Friendly Confines exceeded expectations and left Toad wanting more out of the Miami Marlins gameday atmosphere. Petey then shares concerns about the Patriots and a potential quarterback controversy brewing in Foxborough. Javi and Toad try to make sense of Tua's conversation with Dan Le Batard and his comments on his relationship with Brian Flores. The MLB playoff race is heating up and the guys discuss their favorites heading down the stretch. Then the trio drafted one MLB player each to be the franchise QB of their favorite NFL team. The episode wraps with an interview with Washington Nationals pitcher Jacob Barnes. Barnes explains his odd nicknames, his MLB journey, and how he's become an Immaculate Grid legend.

Episode 11 is a special one. Florida Marlins icon Dontrelle "D-Train" Willis joins the Mafia (15:43) for a lengthy interview. D-Train explains the origin of his nickname and tells his MLB call-up story during the 2003 season; he'd go on to win Rookie of the Year. Willis then dives into the 2003 Florida Marlins World Series Championship, shares what it was like playing under skipper Jack McKeon, and some more amazing anecdotes from his time with the Fish. D-Train also touches on the infamous trade that sent Miguel Cabrera and himself to Detroit and spent some time remembering Jose Fernandez. Thank you to Giancarlo Devito from Legends Of Dade for joining the interview and connecting the Mafia with Dontrelle Willis.

The guys kick off the episode reviewing Jazz Chisholm's hot start with the Yankees and provide their trade deadline winners and losers. Brett Phillips is throwing gas and attempting a comeback as a pitcher; we're rooting for him. Finally, Javi and Petey remember (not fondly) some of their grossest moments in the minors. Then, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez, a Miami local and alumnus of Belen Jesuit, joins the Mafia. Toad (Belen '09) and Javi speak with Nick (38:42) about his time playing professionally in Japan and representing the United States winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Nick discusses his journey back to Major League Baseball and what it means to play in front of family and friends this week against the Marlins. Buy Bullpen Mafia merch: https://bullpenmafia.myshopify.com/

Wow. What a whirlwind trade deadline; especially for the Miami Marlins. MLB insider Craig Mish joined Javi and Toad to break down the Marlins' deadline moves. They look back at the timing of the Luis Arraez trade and conversations the Marlins had with the Padres and Orioles. Mish discussed GM Peter Bendix's plan for the future of the Fish and what the organization is doing to develop its newest additions. And was Jazz Chisholm almost a Kansas City Royal?

It's Volume 6 of Middle Innings! Warning: Toad is in his Mets Era. The guys are overwhelmed by what Shohei Ohtani can do with a baseball bat and his seemingly limitless power. They discuss Juan Soto's trot around the bases in response to Jose Siri's silliness and protocol for pitchers when it's their turn to celebrate. The newest members of the Hall of Fame were inducted, but when will the stars of the Steroid Era receive their deserved kudos and acceptance? Javi, Petey, and Toad prepare for the looming trade deadline and wrap the episode by naming their favorite baseball broadcast crews.

Volume 5 of Middle Innings starts with Petey recapping the best round of golf he's ever had; he shot a 69 (nice). Intern Marco enters the chat on the hot mic! Then Petey learns what Copa America is and Javi breaks down the debacle at Hard Rock Stadium before the Argentina-Colombia final. The guys make their way-too-early World Series winners followed by Javi and Petey reminiscing about the longest home runs they ever gave up and dugout outbursts. Javi and Toad converse with Giancarlo Devito, the admin behind the Legends Of Dade Instagram account (27:20). They discuss how the account's nostalgia unlocks core memories for Toad and Javi. Giancarlo explains becoming a Marlins fan, launching the account, what he'd do to fix the franchise, and relationships he's developed with Marlins alumni. The interview ends with an all-time favorite Florida Marlins snake draft.

The boys are back after a brief 4th of July hiatus. They recap the holiday weekend, Toad's first Zynachino, and Petey's vacation. After previewing the All-Star Game, the trio talks about the star power of Livvy Dunne's boyfriend, Paul Skenes. Petey shares his disproval of the Red Sox's decision to pull Kutter Crawford amidst a no-hitter despite having only thrown 68 pitches. Javi has an in-depth conversation with former Red Sox and Marlins front office executive Adrian Lorenzo. Lorenzo provided insight into the MLB trade deadline and his emergence as an artist in Miami. The episode wraps with the fellas debating their favorite MLB Home Run Derby memories.

Javi and Toad are on cloud nine after the Florida Panthers defeated the Oilers in Game 7 to claim their first Stanley Cup title. They discuss their nerves entering the game, witnessing franchise history, and postgame emotions. (One of them cried.) Toad recaps his night out with the Cats at Miami's most infamous club: E11EVEN. Then Petey and Javi reminisce about their favorite memories of playing baseball on the 4th of July and other wholesome minor-league moments. The guys discuss the division leaders and what teams have surprised and disappointed them this season. The fourth edition of Middle Innings wraps with the fellas picking their favorite championship teams, regardless of sport.

Petey's former locker mate and New York Mets starting pitcher, Adrian Houser, joins the Mafia. Houser discussed his journey from getting drafted straight out of high school by the Houston Astros to adjusting to life in New York City. He looked back on the unexpected trade to the Brewers that changed his career's trajectory and his debut in 2015. Houser is among the elite pitchers who used to rake: he has two career dingers unbelievably against the same pitcher. The episode wraps with Houser's explanation of the Grimace streak and what he's done to improve as a professional.

Toad rejoins Javi and Petey on the third edition of Middle Innings. The South Florida boys hit the panic button for the Florida Panthers after Connor McDavid and the Oilers forced a Game 7 in Sunrise. Then the guys discuss Rory McIlroy's meltdown and Bryson DeChambeau's miraculous rebranding. JJ Redick's journey from podcaster to head coach of the Lakers sparks a debate about which host would make the best manager. The episode wraps with the Grimace streak, funky baseball superstitions, and the best MLB logos of the 90s.

From Johannesburg to Houston: Astros reliever Tayler Scott joins the Mafia to discuss his journey from South Africa to Major League Baseball. Javi and Petey have an interesting conversation with Scott, highlighting the difficulties he faced as a foreigner playing a sport he didn't grow up playing. Scott - who Petey claimed had "zero body fat" - explained why he loved Portillo's during his time in the minors. Scott and the fellas then reminisced on pitching alongside each other while they were with the Brewers organization.

Petey joins Javi and Toad for his first experience on Middle Innings and kicked off the episode breaking down his epic golf trip. The boys dive into infamous umpire Angel Hernandez's sudden retirement and whether or not robot umpires are the answer. MLB might as well stand for Major League Betting as Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban after being awful at gambling on his own team. Javi, Petey, and Toad wrap the show with their top five baseball names.

Former Marlins radio play-by-play man Glenn Geffner joins the Mafia to discuss his career from growing up in South Florida to earning a World Series ring with the Red Sox. Geff spent over a decade with the Marlins and candidly shared his opinions on the current state and future of the organization. He entertained Toad's conspiracy theories and answered every Boston Red Sox-related question Petey could think of, earning him a new nickname: Barabara Walters. Listen to Glenn Geffner's "Crooked Numbers," on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Javi and Toad share their honest feelings about the current state and future of the Miami Marlins. Then they rank their top-five Major League ballparks they've been to, followed by their last meals, stadium-food edition.

Red Sox first baseman Garrett Cooper hops on the show with Javi and Petey. They reminisce about their playing days together with the Biloxi Shuckers. Coop dives into his time as an Auburn Tiger, a run-in with Charles Barkley, and his experiences with the Yankees, Marlins, Padres, and Cubs.

Javi and Petey provide their opinions on the rash of Tommy John surgeries in the last few seasons. The guys debate the impact of organizations and players chasing velocity rather than teaching proper pitching. Has the ban on sticky stuff affected injuries as well? And no surprise to anyone ... the Athletics and Marlins are amid historically bad starts. Why are the City Connect jerseys so overwhelmingly awful? Petey takes a stand and sticks up for the new uniforms.

Toad opens the episode with an emotional monologue looking back on the Opening Day experiences he's shared with his father. Milwaukee's hot start has them leading a surprisingly competitive NL Central while Petey's Red Sox are being carried by their arms and changes implemented by new pitching coach Andrew Bailey. The guys then discuss how chippiness in the early going of this season is good for the game. In the final segment, Petey takes center stage as he discusses his baseball career and journey.

The MLB season kicked off in the most dramatic way possible: the biggest gambling scandal since Pete Rose. Javi, Petey, and Toad provided their perspective on the Shoehei Ohtani debacle, made their way-too-early predictions for the MLB season, and reviewed some drama within the NL Central. Petey then shares a hilarious encounter with A-Rod during his time with the Brevard County Manatees.