Hardcore Baseball Podcast

Matt McCarthy was on the air when Xander Bogaerts signed with the San Diego Padres.

Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald joins Matt McCarthy to break down the Red Sox approach to the trade deadline, what trading Christian Vazquez means, and what Eric Hosmer can still bring to the table. Plus, what are the futures for Chaim Bloom and Alex Cora?

Bill Koch of the Providence Journal joins Matt McCarthy for an in-depth discussion on the state of the American League playoff race and the Red Sox excellent west coast trip. They fawn over the brilliance of Shohei Ohtani (2:20), dive in on the Red Sox playoff chances (9:10), and discuss the keys to the Red Sox turnaround (14:45), Franchy Cordero's performance (20:35), Jarren Duran's future (22:00), Chaim Bloom's approach to the upcoming trading deadline (29:40), and Chris Sale potentially returning as a reliever (38:00)

Alex Barth joins Matt McCarthy to talk about the Red Sox turnaround (3:00), if the Red Sox should buy at the trading deadline (8:50), Trevor Story's red-hot May (13:35), Alex Verdugo's 2022 (22:00), the Red Sox inability to win close games (26:00), the bullpen (31:00) and what Chris Sale's role should be if he returns (32:00).

Tyler Milliken returns to Hardcore Baseball to discuss the state of the Red Sox with Matt McCarthy and if Chaim Bloom is destined to start trading off pieces at the deadline. They discuss Bloom's missteps in 2022 (2:20), Trevor Story (11:35), the lineup (18:10), if the Sox can contend for a playoff spot (21:10), if the Sox will be sellers at the deadline (24:00), what Xander Bogaerts' trade value might be (26:30), Franchy Cordero (29:10), and comparing Andrew Benintendi and Alex Verdugo (30:50).

Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald returns to Hardcore Baseball to discuss the Red Sox turning in a disappointing April. He and Matt McCarthy discuss whether or not it's time to be concerned about the Red Sox (2:05), Alex Cora's importance (7:00), the Devers/Bogaerts contract situations (10:30), what 2022 means for Chaim Bloom (13:15), second guessing the Red Sox roster construction (22:50), Garrett Whitlock's role (25:15), the first base situation and whether Triston Casas should be called up (30:10), and Jackie Bradley Jr. and the Red Sox lack of depth in the outfield (36:45).

Matt McCarthy and Bill Koch of the Providence Journal sit down for an in-depth discussion on the Xander Bogaerts contract situation (2:50) and Rafael Devers' future with the Red Sox (19:05). Plus, they also get into Garrett Whitlock's performance and what's in store for the Red Sox bullpen (33:05) and the Christian Arroyo experiment in right field (41:40)

Hardcore Baseball returns for 2022, with Jimmy Stewart joining Matt McCarthy to discuss the upcoming season. McCarthy and Stew hit on their expectations for the Red Sox (4:00), the AL East (7:00), defensive improvements for the Sox (14:00), the Bogaerts and Devers contract situations (18:40), Alex Cora's impact (33:45), and what Triston Casas could bring to the table (40:40).

Tony Massarotti joins Matt McCarthy for their annual Hall of Fame class reaction. Mazz discusses his ballot, the election of David Ortiz, and why it's bad for baseball that Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have been rejected by a final time by the writers. 

Matt McCarthy and Tyler Milliken emerge from lockout to discuss the moves the Red Sox made before the shutdown, preview what the Sox could do next, and talk about the upcoming Hall of Fame election. They detail the Renfroe-Bradley trade (4:10), Kyle Schwarber and Seiya Suzuki (17:50), the Wacha/Paxton/Hill signings (30:40), the plan for Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck in 2022 (39:00), and the Hall of Fame ballot (40:10).   

Matt McCarthy and Tyler Milliken react to the Red Sox ALCS loss, take a look ahead to the offseason, and preview the World Series between the Braves and Dodgers. 

Matt McCarthy and Tyler Milliken break down the ALCS and the Red Sox chances to win the pennant. Did Alex Cora mismanage Game 1? What will Chris Sale's availability be for the rest of this series? Do the Red Sox have the pitching advantage over the Astros? Plus, McCarthy and Milliken take a look at the NLCS and examine if the Braves have a chance to upset the Dodgers.

Tyler Milliken, filling in for Matt McCarthy, breaks down the first two games of Red Sox-Rays and previews the rest of the series.

Matt McCarthy previews the American League Wild Card game in a mini-episode of Hardcore Baseball. He looks at pitching matchup and discusses what the J.D. Martinez injury means for the Red Sox.

Matt McCarthy and Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald preview the final week of the baseball season. They discuss how the schedule positions the Red Sox to make the Wild Card game, what the consequences should be if they fail to get a spot, and whether the Yankees or the Blue Jays would be a better matchup in the one-game playoff. 

Tyler Milliken returns to Hardcore Baseball to discuss the American League wild card race, the impact of Bobby Dalbec and Kyle Schwarber, and the tough decisions Alex Cora would face in a one-game playoff. 

Amid a COVID outbreak and following a tough August, the Red Sox have opened September on a winning streak. Bill Koch of the Providence Journal joins Matt McCarthy to discuss this mini-turnaround, the impact of Kyle Schwarber and Chris Sale, whether the Red Sox will hold on for one of the wild card spots, and what a wild card game in Yankee Stadium would look like.

Tim McKone returns to Hardcore Baseball to discuss the Red Sox struggles since the deadline. Are they done? Plus, examining ownership's role in the collapse, Chaim Bloom's ability to build rosters, and how Kyle Schwarber's inability to play the field is hurting the Red Sox. 

Matt McCarthy is joined by Tom McCarthy, better known as Tom in Quincy, to break down the Red Sox struggles after the trading deadline. 

The trading deadline has come and gone, and the Red Sox were nowhere near as aggressive as the other contenders in the American League. Tyler Milliken joins Matt McCarthy to explain why even he is critical of Chaim Bloom's approach (2:30). McCarthy and Milliken also discuss the role the luxury tax played in the Red Sox thought process (5:10), the Kyle Schwarber addition (15:00), Jarren Duran's struggles (18:25), how Red Sox players might feel about the front office (24:40), Aldo Ramirez (30:30), Anthony Rizzo (33:50), and takeaways from a busy deadline around the league (39:00)    

Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald and the Locked On Red Sox podcast joins Matt McCarthy to preview the MLB trade deadline. Will the Red Sox be aggressive and what is their biggest need? McCarthy and Mastrodonato discuss Anthony Rizzo, Max Scherzer, Whit Merrifield, Jose Berrios, Trea Turner, and more. Are the Nationals about to sell everything off? Are the Rays done? And should the Yankees really be buyers at the deadline? 

Matt McCarthy and Tyler Milliken break down the 2021 MLB Draft and what it all means for the Red Sox with the 4th overall pick. Will Jack Leiter fall to the Sox? Plus: Projecting the picks ahead of the Red Sox (12:00) Marcelo Meyer and Jordan Lawlar (17:00) Henry Davis (21:00) Kumar Rocker (30:00) Will the Sox go underslot at 4? (33:50) Predictions (37:50)

Alex Barth of 98.5TheSportsHub.com joins Matt McCarthy to react to the last week of Red Sox baseball and what is to come for the Sox with the trading deadline and the MLB Draft. They also reflect on Dustin Pedroia's career and discuss whether Pedroia should have his number retired or should be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Socci, the voice of the New England Patriots, returns to Hardcore Baseball to discuss baseball's adhesives scandal, the spectacular Jacob deGrom, and his time broadcasting for the Pawtucket Red Sox.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Cundall of SoxProspects.com joins Matt McCarthy to break down the final three prospects the Red Sox received to complete the Andrew Benintendi trade (2:45). Ian  also previews next month's MLB Draft (20:25) and gives an update on Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, and Jeter Downs (29:35) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Hardcore Baseball, Matt McCarthy welcomes Nick Karski of ESPN Radio Ithaca to find out what's wrong with the Yankees (3:10). McCarthy and Karski also react to the Sports Illustrated story detailing the widespread use of illegal substances by pitchers and how that has led to historically bad offense in baseball (22:25). They discuss what the sport needs to do to address the problem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald returns to Hardcore Baseball to discuss Franchy Cordero's demotion to Worcester and why the Red Sox should turn to Jarren Duran soon (2:05), the change in expectations for the Red Sox (7:35), Michael Chavis being sent back to the minors (12:00), how minor league development has changed (19:30), Alex's Cora's impact (23:40). Plus, Matt and Jason discuss the epidemic of no-hitters in baseball (25:10) and debate whether baseball should implement rule changes and move the mound back.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triston Casas and Jarren Duran, the top two prospects in the Red Sox farm system, have opened eyes with strong starts to their minor league seasons. Mike Antonellis, the voice of the Worcester Red Sox, returns to Hardcore Baseball to break down Duran's performance in Worcester (4:35) and shed light on Casas' track to the big leagues (10:40). Mike also has an update on Brandon Workman (17:40), and shares his thoughts on the Red Sox season (22:10), Shohei Ohtani (25:45), and whether the mound should be moved back (27:15).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the minor league season starting this week, Matt McCarthy and Tyler Milliken reveal the 2021 Hardcore Baseball / 98.5 The Sports Hub Red Sox Top 10 Prospect Rankings. McCarthy and Milliken break down the prospects who just missed the list (6:55), followed by the Top 10. 10. Nick Yorke (12:10), 9. Connor Seabold (14:10), 8. Jay Groome (18:20), 7. Thad Ward (22:05), 6. Garrett Whitlock (25:00), 5. Tanner Houck (28:30), 4. Gilberto Jimenez (32:30), 3. Jeter Downs (35:45), 2. Jarren Duran (39:00), 1. Triston Casas (46:35).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt McCarthy welcomes Billy Lanni back to the Hardcore Baseball podcast. They discuss baseball's strong start to 2021 and the Red Sox capturing your attention (2:25), the Yankees struggles and the weak American League (7:05), whether baseball should expand the playoffs (11:05), and reminiscing about Expos baseball and seeing games at Olympic Stadium (19:25). Plus, Billy admits to leaving Fenway early when Mo Vaughn hit his game-winning game slam on Opening Day 1998 (22:35). McCarthy and Lanni also talk about the struggles of Garrett Richards and Franchy Cordero (30:40) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt McCarthy believes Major League Baseball is experiencing its best start to a season in recent memory. Brendan Glasheen agrees and joins McCarthy for this week's episode of Hardcore Baseball. They discuss what's led to a compelling two weeks of baseball across the league (including thoughts on the no hitters, Ronald Acuna, and Shohei Ohtani). They also dive in on the Red Sox rapid turnaround, Alex Cora's impact, and the recently announced experimental rule changes in the Atlantic League. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Stewart of Felger & Mazz makes his annual beginning of the season appearance on Hardcore Baseball to discuss the Red Sox bounce back from the 0-3 start, why he believes they will win the American League East (3:20), believing in Chaim Bloom (14:25), contending while rebuilding (22:05), Tanner Houck's demotion to Worcester (27:50), the extra innings runner rule (33:30). Plus, what it's like to go to a concert with Felger (38:10) and how Shohei Ohtani is the man (47:15). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt McCarthy reacted live on the air to the Red Sox being swept away by the Orioles.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Barth from 985TheSportsHub.com joins Matt McCarthy to break down the early returns on the Red Sox. They discuss the struggles of the Red Sox offense so far and whether their slow start is a cause for concern (4:15), why its critical the Sox start strong in 2021 (11:15), why poor defense could be a trend for this team and whether Rafael Devers is a long-term fit at third base (20:05), Matt Andriese and the bullpen (27:10), and why Chaim Bloom needs to answer for his initial plan to send Tanner Houck to Triple-A Worcester (35:00) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s opening week in baseball. Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald joins Matt McCarthy to preview the MLB season. They discuss the Red Sox chances (2:12),  the Yankees (10:45), the Blue Jays big offseason (15:10), the potential World Series hangover effect for the Rays (16:00), the rest of the American League (19:00), the arms race between the Dodgers and Padres (25:45), the stacked NL East (36:05),  and the NL Central (40:40).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hardcore Baseball returns for its fourth season. Matt McCarthy sets the expectations for the 2021 Red Sox, reacts to the Andrew Benintendi trade, and shares his thoughts on the Fernando Tatis Jr. contract. Plus, Tyler Milliken explains why he thinks the Benintendi trade isn't as bad as some have suggested (13:10). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dustin Pedroia has officially retired, ending his 14 years with the Red Sox. Matt McCarthy welcomes Sean Sylver back to the program to reflect on Pedroia's legacy. They discuss where Pedroia ranks in Red Sox history (5:31), the origins of Laser Show (7:21), Pedroia's standing in Boston in recent years (11:20), if Pedroia's last contract extension was actually a big mistake (16:03), the Manny Machado incident and the David Price "clappers," (18:53), and if Pedroia is a Hall of Famer (21:22). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Massarotti returns to Hardcore Baseball to talk about the 2021 Hall of Fame voting. He joins Matt McCarthy to discuss his ballot (1:34), nobody getting in to Cooperstown this year (3:02), Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens (7:30), why next year's vote might be the most consequential in Hall of Fame history (10:52), not voting for Curt Schilling (15:55), comparing Schilling to recent inductee Mike Mussina (20:57). Plus, Mazz and McCarthy reflect on the life and legacy of Hank Aaron (24:42). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Barth from 985thesportshub.com joins Matt McCarthy to discuss everything Red Sox offseason. Matt and Alex explain everything you need to know about Japanese righty Tomoyuki Sugano (6:22), why the Red Sox should make their young hitters available in trades this offseason (24:44), and how the Lowell Spinners lost their affiliation with the Red Sox and what MLB's elimination of over 40 minor league teams impacts player development (35:06) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt McCarthy reacts to Game 6 of the World Series and Kevin Cash's decision to pull Blake Snell at 73 pitches while throwing a 2-hitter. Plus, Mookie Betts continues to make the Red Sox look foolish.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hardcore Baseball: October Edition returns as Tim McKone joins Matt McCarthy to discuss the MLB playoffs. Plus, are the Red Sox going public? Matt and Tim react to the Wall Street Journal's reports on John Henry's plans to add to his portfolio of sports teams overseas. Is Billy Beane going to run Henry's soccer clubs instead of his baseball team?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2020 Red Sox season is mercifully coming to an end, but has the organization done significant damage to this team's future by building a culture of losing? Jason Mastrodonato returns to the podcast to share his thoughts on that, Tanner Houck's debut, and the future of the organization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.