Passion for the Pastime

Justin Verlander has another solid outing this Spring, but is that a sign of more things to come? Also, who can potentially be this years break out star for the #SFGiants?

Kyle Harrison was roughed up in his latest outing for the #SFGiants , what does it mean for the rotation moving forward? We talk with Erik Engle of LOCKED ON NETWORK on the latest storylines around the Orange & Black.

With the third leg of fan fest concluded, Buster Posey made an appearance and let everyone i. On his plan as the #SFGiants start to open up camp in a few weeks and yes, you guests it, he's bringing his buddies along. An allstar cast of Posey's teammates will be in attendance as it signals a changing of the guard and getting back to baseball guys making an impact. In addition, the PECOTA projections are out, where do the Giants fall? And Finally, I have an ITCH to MAKE A DEAL, as inspired by recent events in sports and a listener offering me something I can not refuse!

The Giants made a move today in sending their Leftie Taylor Rogers to the Reds. How does this effect the roster construction heading into Spring Training? Are their more moves to come?

The days are counting down until Pitchers and Catchers report to camp on February 12th. Unless there is a big splash in Free Agency, unlikely, or a trade during the Spring, it's possible, this looks to be the #Giants roster heading into 2025. Are they good enough to compete in 2025? Should Giants not use Dodgers as a measuring stick? We will discuss!

The 2025 Inductees were announced and the 3 of the class are Ichiro, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. The Hall still only has 1 unanimous Inductee as Ichiro, like Jeter was just 1 vote shy if that honor. Is the voting process flawed? And as we get further away from the greatness and into the analytical era of baseball, will the goal posts move? We will also be joined by KNBR's Jack Loder to discuss the Hall of Fame, plus Giants talk as we Inch closer to the start of Spring Training.

The rich get richers as the Dodgers land top international prospects, 23 year old phenom from Japan, Roki Sasaki. But they dint stop there, as they continue to add piece to their already Stacked roster, the latest being Tanner Scott forming the next super team, setting up a strong possibility of a back-to-ack champion for the first time in 25 years. Plus, talk Hall of Fame ballots & BLUE JAYS finally landing a bat in Anthony Santanader.

The #SFGiants may not have gotten Roki Sasaki, but they signed the next best player in Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez, who many scouts have stated that he is the best player in the 2025 class. Is this a signal of change for the Giants, and what is our confidence level in the new regime. We will also discuss with NBC Sports Bay Area host, Carlos Ramirez and break down Buster Posey's first offseason.

Willie Adames & Justin Verlander remain the two big signings for the Giants this offseason. Assuming they are finished, how would you grade Buster Posey's first offseason in his new role. PLUS, the latest on Roki Sasaki as the International signing pool is less that 24 hours away from opening.

Welcome back to Passion for the Pastime as we turn to a new week, Hall of Famer Justin Verlander officially introduced as a member of the #SFGiants, whats number will he wear and can he get to 300 wins? PLUS, we now know the finalist in the Roki Sasaki Sweepstakes, what each team can bring the 23 year old superstar and more. We will discuss on this playoff Monday!

Justin Verlander is a member of the Giants, what is next to come? Are their still moves to be had for the Giants or if this is it for the Giants, is it enough to compete in the West?

Reunited and it feels so good! Friend of the program John Lund, host of John Lund Unleashed podcast, stops by the show to talk Giants baseball and discuss the Giants offseason and their moves, or lack thereof, so far. Plus discussion of remaining free agents that need to be had.

Still no moment for the #SFGiants in Free Agency, or for anyone for that matter. Is it a game of chicken between players & ball clubs? More f the latest Rumors and news around MLB and if any there are any signs of life for the #SFGiants to make a much needed move.

With the the recent acquisition of Hye-Seong Kim to the Dodgers, they continue to add depth pieces to build a roster to defend their World Series title. Are they in a tier of their own and who is the biggest threat to the Dodgers hopes in a repeat?

The calendar turns to 2025 but with not much remaining in the Free Agent Market for the #SFGiants, were do they turn. Outside of the Will Adames signing, not much else has happend to improve the roster. Has the front office dropped the ball? Or is all saved if Pete Alonso or Roki Sasaki join the Orange & Black in 2025? Lets discuss PLUS the latest on Alonso & Sasaki markets

As 2024 comes to an end, we will take a look at some of the top moments of 2024, some we LOVE, other we HATED to see. Plus it's a good time for New Years resolutions and what that could look like for the #SFGiants. Lets end this year with a BANG! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

As we approach the end of 2024, the Giants started the offseason with a Bang! Firing Farhan, Hiring Buster Posey & Co, signing Willy Adames BEFORE the start of the winter meetings but it all came to a halt after Corbin Burnes eventually signed with a division rival. We will be joined by Locked On Network Host, Erik Engle to discuss the Giants offseason. Was Burnes negotiations a miss-step in philosophy? Do the #SFGiants really have that much faith in thier young pitching? Is this pointing to another developmental year at 3rd & King? Or can they reel in another big fish bat as attention seems to have shifted to 1B Pete Alonso? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Corbin Burnes signed late last night to an NL West team. The only problem is that it wasn't with the Giants. He signs with the Arizona #Dbacks in a shocking move. Where did it all go wrong, who is at fault and what is the pivot for the #SFGiants? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Passion for the Pastime | 12/23/24 - RIP Ricky Henderson PLUS Free Agency Update for #SFGiants --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

We are still on Corbin Burnes watch, but there are so many other needs for the Giants, we will discuss with Kerry Crowley, grade what has been done and what still needs to happen for the Giants to have a successful offseason. PLUS, a conversation with Jesse Rogers of ESPN to break down the recent moves in Chicago and how it shapes the remainder of the offseason. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

What the hell is taking so long for Corbin Burnes? We chat with Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet in Toronto to get the scoop on their chances to land the ace over the #SFGiants, plus thoughts on Vlad Jr's future north of the border. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

The Hot Stove is COOKING! A lot of action on this Friday the 13th, with first the #Yankees making a move for Devin Williams, Astros & Cubs say "Hold our beers" and agree to a trade that would send Kyle Tucker to Chicago in exchange for Isaac Parades & Top 3 prospect Cam Smith & Hayden Wesneski. What is the fall out? Could Cody Bellinger be on the move next? Plus your daily Corbin Burnes update and who else makes the most sense for the #SFGiants to target in free agency or via Trade. Subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts and watch LIVE on YouTube! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

A couple of big press conferences took place today, Juan Soto was introduced as a Met, and Willy Adames was introduced as a Giant today. What are the first impressions? Is this the only presser for the Giants this offseason? Lets hope not. PLUS, updates on Corbin Burnes and who experts believe hold the upper hand in negotiations. Follow & Subscribe to Passion for the Pastime on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Max Fried signed the biggest contract to the left-handed pitcher in MLB history, signing a 8 Yr/ $218M deal with the New York Yankees, how does this effect the pitching market and how will the Giants respond? Is Corbin Burnes worth the money or should Giants double down on their youthful pitching? In other News Roki Sasaki is drawing interest from anyone who has a pulse and Buster Posey says he would be “over the moon” if the Japanese Superstar signed with the Giants. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Buster Posey opened up the Winter Meetings with a bang, signing Willy Adames to the richest contract in the Organizations history. What does this move mean for the Organization? Are the Giants done? What should the next move be? In other news, Juan Soto signs biggest contract in baseball history, with Dodger and Yankees missing out, how does this affect the remaining pool of free agents? Follow & Subscribe to Passion for the Pastime on YouTube and everywhere you get you podcasts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Giants Baseball is Back! How the Giants stack up in the National League and what the Giants could still need as the Season approaches --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Where in the world is Shohei Ohtani? The latest update and more from the Winter Meetings --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Ohtani talks in "final stages", What do the Giants do if he decides to play elsewhere? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Uprooted in Oakland as Owner's vote sends A's to Vegas + Ohtani Updates/Potential teams & more Rumors as the Hot Stove heats up --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

MLB Hot Stove Talk, Better MVP Ohtani or Acuna + the Latest rumors surrounding Ohtani and others --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Bruce Bochy is back on top of the Baseball World + Interview with Martin Gallegos to discuss the World Series, Bochy and what the Giants gain from adding Bob Melvin --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Minnesota Twins beat writer of The Athletic, Dan Hayes joins the show to break down the start of the series between the Giants and Twins, Carlos Correa's struggles and much more --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Sacramento Rivercats Play-by-Play voice, Zack Bayrouty, joins the show to discuss Casey Schmitt showing out with his bat as well as updates on other top tier prospects in Sacramento --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Scott Braun joined the show to discuss the new rules, NL West outlook and if Ohtani will be in a new uniform next season --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Robert Flores talks BIG Picture around MLB, tight division races and teams who have a legitimate chance at making noise this season --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Martin Gallegos joins the show to talk Ohtani getting the start on Opening Night in Oakland, describes him as MUST WATCH TV and discusses some young A's who look to make their presence know in MLB --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Jeff Fletcher talks Ohtani's rise to become the best player in the World and discusses what may be next for the two-way superstar --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Dan Hayes talks WBC and fall out of Edwin Diaz injury as well as the latest on the Minnesota Twins and Carlos Correa --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionforthepastime/support

Katie Woo joins the show to discuss the electric WBC as well as Yadi Molina's desire to coach and some nuggets from Cardinals Spring Training --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Joe Ritzo talks Giants Spring Training Baseball, Conforto & Haniger first impressions as well as the future of the Giants who may not be too far from the big leagues --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Susan Slusser joins the show to break down the new look Giants, key position battles as well as some young talent that is making their presence know at Spring Training --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Derek Togerson breaks down rule changes & the latest Machado contract extension and the Padres future spending plans --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Tim Britton joins the show to discuss the 2023 Mets, Pete Alonso's rise, the addition of Senga & Verlander as well as what type of player the Giants get in Michael Conforto --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Anthony Castrovince recaps the Offseason moves as we get ready for the start of the season --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

After an absence of six years, the World Baseball Classic is back!!! 20 Countries compete to be recognized as the best in the world, and Team USA is the defending champion. How their chances to repeat look entering the tournament, the All-Star Team that is the Dominican Republic, the spectacle of Shohei Ohtani as well as potential future stars to keep an eye on. A lot to discuss in this one as the WBC returns and the Fireworks begin March 7th. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Welcome back to another baseball season with Passion for the Pastime. With Pitchers and Catchers reporting to camps and everyone else shortly after that, it can only mean one thing, Spring Training is right around the corner! With the incoming season, there are a few rule changes that everyone needs to be aware of, and we speak with Baseball writer from the LA Times, Jorge Castillo, to break it all down. We discuss the four big rule changes coming to MLB and how they may effect the game: Bigger bases, limited Pickoff attempts, Pitch Clock, and Defensive shift restrictions. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

What the HELL Happened??? Dan Hayes of The Athletic talks us through what happened with the Giants and Correa and all the fall out from the Giants missing out on the big free agent --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

On this episode of the podcast, we are talking baseball with Washington Nationals beat writer Marck Zuckerman of MASN Sports. We discuss his experience hopping on an MLB broadcast as the color analyst for the first time as well as wrapping up the first half for the NL East. We also discuss the Juan Soto contract extention negotiations, as well as some possible deadline, moves the Nats could make as the Trade Deadline approaches. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Talking Blue Jays baseball with Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportnet on How Vlad Jr has emerged as a leader, if there is another level for the Blue Jays to reach and who Toronto can target as the deadline approaches. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Talking New York Mets Baseball with Mets beat writer for New York Daily News, Deesha Thosar, as the Mets continue to prove to be serious contenders even without their top Aces. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support

Talking about Giants baseball, past & present with NBC Sports Bay Area Analyst and San Francisco Giants World Series Champion, George Kontos. We remember the legend of Buster Posey, discuss the importance of the catcher position for the 2022 Giants as well as how well the Giants stack up against some of the top teams in the NL, Padres and Mets, who are coming to town on the next homestand. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/passionforthepastime/support