R2C2 with CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco

On this bonus episode, we're joined by three-time World Series champion Jon Lester to talk about his retirement, look back on his career, share tips for young lefties, and talk about the toughest outs he ever had to get. Plus: Jon shares the time he wanted Ken Griffey Jr. to hit a home run off him. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Jon Lester Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, CC and Ryan discuss the return of Klay Thompson and make NFL playoff predictions (1:00) before being joined by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Sonny Gray to discuss how he crafts his pitches, learning from rough patches throughout his career, his brief stint with the Yankees, his relationship with CC, and more (30:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to Kyrie Irving's 22-point return to the Brooklyn Nets (1:00) before we're joined by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter to discuss the Raiders' chances of beating the Chargers and making the playoffs, the Super Bowl favorites from each conference, and who's in the hottest seat as we enter the end of the season (15:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN NBA analyst Zach Lowe joins the show to hit on nearly every storyline from this NBA season, including the struggles of the Lakers, the drama of the Nets, Portland's Damian Lillard question, and more (1:00). Plus, Zach shares why he's never been able to bury the hatchet with the Yankees (49:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Zach Lowe Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We close out 2021 by talking about some of our favorite traditions during the holiday season (1:00) before getting into the news that Buck Showalter will manage the Mets (25:00). Then we answer listener questions about Brett Gardner, Kyrie Irving, and more (29:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by World Series champion Dansby Swanson to discuss Atlanta's October run, growing up in a competitive baseball environment, playing other sports as a kid, his engagement to Mallory Pugh, the state of the MLB lockout, and more. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Dansby Swanson Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to the first MLB work stoppage in 26 years (0:00) before running through the list of Mets managerial candidates and making the case for Carlos Beltrán (1:00). Then, CC and Ryan share their Super Bowl predictions and discuss the status of the NBA contenders as we approach Christmas Day (37:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to a flurry of massive MLB free-agency news, including Max Scherzer to the Mets, Corey Seager to the Rangers, and much more. Then, we wonder whether the Yankees have missed their window to land a star free agent now that more than half the top targets are off the board. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CC and Ryan are joined by Yankees manager Aaron Boone to discuss the roller coaster season that was 2021 for the Bronx Bombers. They discuss Boone's philosophy toward incorporating analytics into his managerial style, the most pleasant surprises of 2021 on the player development side, and what his wish list is for the 2021-22 offseason. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Aaron Boone Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we speed through a list of Slingin' Heat topics, including Justin Verlander re-signing with the Astros, Carlos Correa's comments about Derek Jeter, the Mets hiring Billy Eppler, Noah Syndergaard signing with the Angels, and the Warriors trouncing the Nets (1:00). Then, we're joined by St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Jack Flaherty to discuss his Lakers fandom, how he thinks about the business side of baseball as a young star, and what three pitches he'd want to steal from other pitchers in the league right now (20:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Jack Flaherty Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ryan is joined by WNBA legend Sue Bird to discuss the biggest moments of the past year in the WNBA, how much the league's fan base has grown in her time playing, what her post-playing career might look like, and how the NBA rule changes have affected gameplay over the first month of the season. Host: Ryan Ruocco Guest: Sue Bird Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryan is joined by actor Jay Ellis to discuss the 2021-22 NBA season, Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, and how he came to root for the Nets (1:00). Then, they discuss (SPOILERS) Season 5, Episode 3 of HBO's ‘Insecure,' and what his character, Lawrence, experiences in the final season of the show (35:00). Host: Ryan Ruocco Guest: Jay Ellis Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to Atlanta winning the 2021 World Series behind an offensive explosion and dominant performance from their ace, Max Fried. Plus: We wonder what ultimately sunk the Astros, and discuss the surprising news that Buster Posey is planning to retire from baseball. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we discuss the World Series as it heads back to Houston for Game 6 (1:00). Did Atlanta squander their chance to kill the resilient Astros, or will they take home the trophy in Houston? Then we bounce around to NBA and NFL news, before discussing what we're watching on TV (35:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Atlanta and Houston have split the first two games of the World Series. We react to everything so far, including the Braves losing Charlie Morton and getting a so-so start from Max Fried (1:00). Plus, CC breaks down how he'd approach the various hitters in each lineup going forward in this series. Then, Doris Burke joins to discuss the first two weeks of the NBA season, including early struggles for the Lakers, Sixers, and Nets, the best teams in the Eastern Conference, Kyrie Irving's absence from Brooklyn, and more (21:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Additional Production: Brian Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the World Series starting, CC and Ryan predict who they think will come out on top between Atlanta and Houston (1:00) before reacting to some of the reporting about the Yankees' rocky clubhouse chemistry (1:00). Then, they answer listener questions about the best pitches of all time, Halloween movies, and more (25:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are each a game away from advancing to the World Series. We react to their wins last night and wonder whether either of their opponents can flip the script (1:00). Then we share some observations from the first few nights of the NBA regular season, including thoughts on the Knicks injecting more life back into Madison Square Garden (35:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Additional Production: Brian Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to a packed day in sports, with the NBA season getting under way, both MLB championship series playing, and the Yankees re-signing Aaron Boone. Plus: CC gives his take on how he would handle being Ben Simmons's teammate. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we preview the last remaining divisional series, between the two teams with the best records in baseball (16:00). CC also shares what it's like to face both the Red Sox and Astros in October (3:30). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to a different AL East team advancing to the championship series than we were expecting (1:00), before bouncing around to the other three series and sharing our playoff observations thus far.Then, CC celebrates the Raiders moving on from Jon Gruden (35:00), and we react in real time to the news that Kyrie Irving will not practice or play road games with the Nets until he is vaccinated (46:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that the Yankees are eliminated, we take a closer look at the rest of the playoff picture, previewing every divisional-round series and predicting who we think will emerge victorious at the end of October (0:30). Plus: what to look forward to most in a packed weekend of football (40:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to a disappointing wild-card performance by the Yankees and their ace, Gerrit Cole. Then we try to diagnose the problems facing New York as they assess their future roster and whether or not they can fix those problems without drastic changes. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss a tough loss for the Yankees in Toronto, before talking about what it'll take to win the rubber match of the series Thursday against Robbie Ray. Then we make predictions about which two teams will emerge to compete in the AL wild-card. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we react to a huge weekend for the Yankees in Boston that included a sweep and clutch performance from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton (1:00). Then, we recap the drama between the Blue Jays and Kevin Kiermaier over a dropped cheat-sheet index card, and CC shares how he would've handled the situation (30:00). Finally, we lament the current pitiful state of New York football (37:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ryan is joined by former Yankee pitcher and current YES network analyst David Cone to discuss the Yankees' playoff hopes down the stretch of this season. Ryan and David review Luis Severino's first MLB appearance since 2019, discuss the Bombers' best lineup, preview this weekend's Red Sox series, and talk about how dangerous the Blue Jays have become in the AL wild-card race. Host: Ryan Ruocco Guest: David Cone Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we welcome Ryan's baby daughter into the ‘R2C2' family (0:30) before CC discusses his trip to Cooperstown for Derek Jeter's Baseball Hall of Fame induction (14:00) and what Jeter meant to the Yankees over the last two and a half decades. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CC slings heat about the recent Mets thumbs-down controversy, Justin Fields, and Cody Bellinger's 2021 struggles (0:30). Then, the guys are joined by White Sox star Tim Anderson to discuss his walk-off in the MLB 'Field of Dreams' game, why he doesn't mind making enemies among his rival MLB cohorts, what it takes to hit .300 in the modern game, and how he's drastically improved his defense at the MLB level (29:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Tim Anderson Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, CC and Ryan discuss the continued Yankees hot streak and they TV shows they're most enjoying right now (0:31) before inviting on Yankees shortstop Andrew Velazquez to talk about his magical run since being called up, growing up in the Bronx and playing for the Yankees, how positive self-talk helped him get to this point, and more (18:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Andrew Velazquez Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We open with another week of positive Yankees results and speculate whether or not this team is starting to look like a World Series contender (0:45) before reacting to the Mets' recent skid and Steve Cohen's critical tweet (30:00). Finally, we discuss Shohei Ohtani's MVP-worthy 2021 campaign and where this season ranks among the all-time greats (41:00).  Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We open this week's show by breaking down whether or not the Yankees' post–trade deadline hot streak is real (0:30). Then, we take the temperature of the NBA after the flurry of offseason moves last week (37:30) before answering listener questions (45:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk to Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler about his days at Vanderbilt, the key to success in the playoffs, his game day rituals, and much more (29:00). Plus, CC slings heat about the New York Giants fighting in training camp, NBA free agency, and his suggested change for the MLB CBA. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Walker Buehler Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sayde Zillo Production Assistant: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk to Drew Robinson, who used to play for the Giants and is now a mental health advocate with the team, about his struggles with mental health and why it's so important to address this topic in athletics. Drew also talks about how he has gotten help and what drove him to help others.Please note that this episode contains discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Drew Robinson Producer: Steve Ahlman and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk to Drew Robinson, who used to play for the Giants and is now a mental health advocate with the team, about his struggles with mental health and why it's so important to address this topic in athletics. Drew also talks about how he has gotten help and what drove him to help others.Please note that this episode contains discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Drew Robinson Producer: Steve Ahlman and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk to ESPN MLB reporter Jeff Passan about the biggest dominoes to fall at the trade deadline, including the Joey Gallo trade. Plus, CC slings heat about Aaron Rodgers, Kendall Graveman, and more.  Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Jeff Passan Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CC is off this week, so Ryan flies solo, talking Bucks-Suns reactions and Yankees second-half plans (1:00). Then we open the mailbag to answer your questions on Brook Lopez, the best games Ryan has called, Yankees legends, and more (21:00). Host: Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CC shares his experience at the American Century Championship golf tournament and the MLB All-Star game (0:30), before we discuss what the Yankees need to do to get right in the second half of the season (15:00). We finish by answering listener questions (43:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we're joined by former Red Sox and Cubs executive Theo Epstein to discuss the work he's doing in the MLB office to evolve baseball. We discuss pace of play, offense and defense balance, sticky stuff, shifts, and more. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Theo Epstein Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We immediately react to the Phoenix Suns and Chris Paul finally making the NBA Finals, Pat Beverley's meltdown at the end of the game, and Phoenix's chances to beat whoever comes out in the East (1:45). Then, CC shares his experience of watching Shohei Ohtani in the Bronx this past week (27:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to the Red Sox sweeping the Yankees and the recent struggles in the Bronx (0:30), before reacting to news that Damian Lillard may want to request a trade out of Portland (35:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we open with some Slingin' Heat about the Nets' exit from the NBA playoffs, umpires checking pitchers for foreign substances, and Gary Sanchez's recent hot streak at the plate (1:00). Then, we're joined by former James Madison University pitcher Odicci Alexander to talk about her dazzling run through the Softball College World Series this year (19:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Odicci Alexander Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ryan opens by discussing Kevin Durant's legendary Game 5 performance that gave the Nets a 3-2 lead over the Bucks (1:00) before David Cone joins as fill-in host to talk about what baseball looks like now that pitchers can't use sticky stuff to increase their spin rate (19:52).  Host: Ryan Ruocco Guest: David Cone Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we dive into the biggest news story in baseball: foreign substances and how pitchers are using them to manipulate pitches (1:00). What will MLB do about it and how will this affect the Yankees and the rest of the league? Then, we discuss how the Nets have looked against the Bucks so far in the Eastern Conference semifinals (36:00). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to the Hawks eliminating the Knicks in five games, before reviewing the state of the Western Conference playoffs. Then we talk the details of Theo Epstein’s interview in USA Today before answering some listener questions. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to the Knicks beating the Hawks to make their first round series 1-1 as it heads back to Atlanta (0:19). Then, we’re joined by comedian, actor, and Yankees super fan Billy Crystal to talk about the 20th anniversary of 61*, his film about Yankee legend Roger Maris. Billy also tells us Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra stories, before recounting his experience on the field after the legendary Aaron Boone walk-off home run in the 2003 ALCS (28:25). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Billy Crystal Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We kick off the podcast this week with an update on CC’s golf game before breaking down the latest "unwritten rules" controversy dominating the baseball conversation right now. Then we preview the NBA playoffs before taking a few listener questions on Shohei Ohtani, Derek Jeter, and more. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CC opens the show by slinging heat about Francisco Lindor and the New York media. Then, with the WNBA season starting this weekend, we’re joined by WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo to discuss how far the league has come and what she’s most excited for this season. Plus, she and CC share their best sports-parent stories.  Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Rebecca Lobo Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka joins the show to discuss the difficulties of being drafted as a catcher out of high school, his relationships with Gerrit Cole and Gary Sanchez, the first time he ever caught CC, and his recent tear at the plate. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Kyle Higashioka Producers: Steve Ahlman, Bobby Wagner, and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CC and Ryan are joined by Nets sharpshooter Joe Harris to talk about his growth as a player, what it feels like to be on a team that added two former MVPs, and which Marvel personalities the Nets Big Three most closely align with (21:00). Plus: CC slings heat on the NBA play-in game, Yankees fans, and ESPN’s ‘Star Wars’ baseball broadcast (0:20). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Joe Harris Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, the guys are joined by NBA analyst Amin Elhassan to show off their deep knowledge of the Star Wars canon, discuss the future projects they’re most excited to watch, and share their ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ series predictions. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Amin Elhassan Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sadye Zillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by ESPN NBA analyst and former NBA All-Star Mark Jackson to discuss the recent spell of injuries in the NBA, the “New York City point guard," his best Patrick Ewing stories, whether he’ll coach again in the league, and more. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Mark Jackson Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Slingin’ Heat, CC has some advice for Yankees fans, a take on the back end of the Dodgers bullpen, and predictions for the NBA Finals (0:30). Then, we’re joined by five-time All-Star and Yankee lifer Jorge Posada to talk about the Yankees turn-of-the-century dynasty, the 2009 World Series team, catching CC, how he would’ve used analytics, and more (21:30). Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Guest: Jorge Posada Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices