Podcast appearances and mentions of Andrew Abbott

Cory and Eric Phillips breakdown the Cincinnati Reds win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. They talk about a big day from Elly De La Cruz, a solid start from Andrew Abbott and much more.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ASKTA92kx0    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeoMl2Co73M&t=1675s    Chatterbox Reds is your home for coverage all season long for the Cincinnati Reds with LIVE post game shows after EVERY game on YouTube, and NEW podcasts the morning after every game (including weekends)! SUBSCRIBE to the channel and turn on notifications to ensure you never miss a thing! OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB 

The Cincinnati Reds are set to face the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs in a pivotal three-game series at Great American Ball Park, starting Friday, May 23, 2025. This series marks the return of Reds ace Hunter Greene from the 15-day injured list, a development that has fans and analysts buzzing with anticipation. Greene's comeback is a critical boost for Cincinnati as they aim to close the gap with the division-leading Cubs. Greene, a first-time All-Star in 2024, has been sidelined since May 7 due to a Grade 1 right groin strain sustained during a start against Atlanta. Before the injury, the 25-year-old right-hander was dominant, posting a 4-2 record with a 2.36 ERA over 45.2 innings, striking out 61 batters while issuing just eight walks, and maintaining a stellar 0.81 WHIP. His return on Friday, confirmed by manager Terry Francona, follows a successful 35-pitch simulated game on May 18, where Greene reported no discomfort and easy velocity. Francona's confidence in Greene's readiness underscores the pitcher's meticulous preparation, including a bullpen session in Pittsburgh this week. Facing the Cubs, Greene brings a strong track record. He is 4-1 with a 4.06 ERA in seven career starts against Chicago, including a standout performance on May 26, 2023, when he tossed six no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts in a 9-0 victory at Wrigley Field. However, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki poses a challenge, hitting .462 with two homers in 13 at-bats against Greene. Chicago will counter with left-hander Matthew Boyd (4-2, 2.98 ERA), who has struggled in Cincinnati, going 0-3 with a 9.69 ERA in four career starts. The Reds' rotation for the series is formidable, with Andrew Abbott (3-0, 1.80 ERA) and Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.22 ERA) slated for Saturday and Sunday. Cincinnati, sitting at .500, sees this series as a chance to gain ground in the NL Central, especially with two of their next four series against the Cubs. Greene's return injects energy and leadership into a young Reds squad, and his performance could set the tone for a crucial stretch. With the Cubs riding high, this matchup promises high-stakes baseball, with Greene's electric arm at the forefront.

Nick Kirby and Trace Fowler recap a fun win for the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. They talk about Andrew Abbott's start and his bullpen behind him, the Reds getting big insurance runs and more. Plus a recap of all the Reds minor league action and a preview on Tuesday's game vs the Pirates.   Today's Episode on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6FvpWT7I-k&t=169s https://youtube.com/live/EDs4HYElLvY   DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeoMl2Co73M&t=1675s    Chatterbox Reds is your home for coverage all season long for the Cincinnati Reds with LIVE post game shows after EVERY game on YouTube, and NEW podcasts the morning after every game (including weekends)! SUBSCRIBE to the channel and turn on notifications to ensure you never miss a thing! OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB 

The Cincinnati Reds' recent five-game winning streak in the 2025 MLB season, culminating on May 19, 2025, marks a significant turnaround for the team, pushing them above .500 with a 25-24 record. This streak, tied for their longest this season, showcases a blend of stellar pitching, solid defense, and timely offense under the guidance of new manager Terry Francona, hired on October 4, 2024, for his proven track record, including two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox. The streak began with a surge after dropping two games to the Chicago White Sox. Key to this run was the Reds' pitching staff, with starters like Andrew Abbott delivering, as seen in his five-inning performance against the Cleveland Guardians, navigating a bases-loaded jam. The bullpen was equally impressive, allowing just three earned runs over 20 innings. Defensively, the Reds were nearly flawless, committing only one error across 45 innings. Offensively, the team erupted for nine or more hits in each game, with a season-high seven doubles in their May 19 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Standout performances included Will Benson's three-run homer against the Guardians and contributions from stars like Elly De La Cruz, whose electrifying play continues to fuel the lineup. This streak, a stark contrast to last season when the Reds never reached .500 this late, has reignited fan optimism. Francona's leadership, paired with a rotation led by Hunter Greene (4-2, 2.36 ERA), positions the Reds as contenders in the NL Central. As they face upcoming series against the Cubs and Pirates, maintaining this momentum could solidify their postseason aspirations, making this streak a defining moment in their 2025 campaign In Seattle, the Mariners have prioritized season ticket holders for the 2025 MLB season, offering exclusive benefits like priority postseason ticket access, discounts on merchandise (15% off, 20% on Tuesdays), dining at The Boxyard (15% off), and parking. Through the MLB Ballpark app, members manage tickets, forward them, or sell extras on StubHub, the official fan-to-fan marketplace. However, the Mariners strictly regulate reselling, classifying those who buy primarily to resell as "Ticket Brokers," potentially losing benefits or facing account cancellation. Posts on X highlight similar policies in Indianapolis, where the Colts sent letters to season ticket holders, warning that purchasing tickets solely for resale violates ticketing policies. For the Indianapolis Indians (MiLB), 2025 season ticket holders enjoy up to 40% off gate prices, priority seating, exclusive event invitations, on-field batting practice, and a personal service representative. Flexible plans range from full-season to mini or flex packages, catering to varied schedules. Both teams emphasize enhancing fan experiences while enforcing strict anti-resale measures to protect loyal fans, reflecting a broader trend in sports ticketing to reward committed supporters and curb profiteering.

Nick Kirby and Trace Fowler recap the Cincinnati Reds win and sweep over the Cleveland Guardians. They talk about the hottest player on the planet, Will Benson, a gusty performance by Andrew Abbott and the bullpen and much more. Plus a recap of all the Reds minor league action and a preview of the Pirates series.   Today's Episode on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6FvpWT7I-k&t=169s https://youtube.com/live/EDs4HYElLvY   DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    Chatterbox Reds is your home for coverage all season long for the Cincinnati Reds with LIVE post game shows after EVERY game on YouTube, and NEW podcasts the morning after every game (including weekends)! SUBSCRIBE to the channel and turn on notifications to ensure you never miss a thing! OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB 

Cleveland Guardians vs. Cincinnati Reds MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Guardians at Reds 1:40PM ET—Luis Ortiz will start for Cleveland. Ortiz in eight starts on the season carries an ERA of 4.78 with WHIP of 1.36. The right hander fans 26.1% with 11.2% walks. Ground balls are 42.4% with 1.25 home runs per nine innings. Andrew Abbott is starting for Cincinnati. Abbott made six starts on the season with an ERA of 2.10 with WHIP of 1.07. The left hander has an elite 31.7% K rate with 10% walks. Ground balls sit at 25.7% with 0.90 home runs per nine innings.

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' All-Pro defensive end, is embroiled in a heated contract dispute as he enters the final year of his deal, set to earn $15.8 million in 2025. After leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, Hendrickson is pushing for a lucrative extension, frustrated by the Bengals' lack of communication since the NFL Draft. His camp reports no progress, with prior offers falling short of promises made last offseason. The Bengals, who recently signed Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive deals totaling $276 million, seem hesitant to meet Hendrickson's demands, possibly due to his age (31) and the team's methodical approach to contracts. Despite permission to seek a trade, no movement has occurred, raising speculation about a potential holdout. NFL insiders remain optimistic, with some believing Cincinnati will eventually pay Hendrickson, citing his critical role in their defense, which struggled last season. However, the drafting of edge rusher Shemar Stewart hints at a possible succession plan. As training camp looms, this saga could define the Bengals' 2025 season. Will they secure their star pass rusher or risk losing him? On May 13, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds fell 5-1 to the Chicago White Sox at Great American Ball Park. Andrew Abbott delivered a strong start, pitching six innings and allowing just one run on five hits. The Reds' offense, however, struggled, mustering only six hits against White Sox pitching. Trailing 1-0, Elly De La Cruz tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth. The game went to extra innings, where Miguel Vargas' three-run homer in the 10th sealed the White Sox's victory. Despite the loss, De La Cruz's late-game heroics provided a highlight for Reds fans. On May 13, 2025, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the posthumous reinstatement of Pete Rose, baseball's all-time hits leader, removing him from the permanently ineligible list 36 years after his 1989 ban for betting on games. The decision, which also reinstated 16 other deceased players like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, means Rose is now eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame, with potential consideration by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in December 2027. Manfred ruled that lifetime bans end upon a player's death, citing no further threat to the game's integrity. The move followed a petition from Rose's family in January 2025, after his death in September 2024 at age 83, and discussions with President Donald Trump, a vocal Rose supporter. Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini celebrated the decision, calling Rose one of baseball's greatest. However, reactions were mixed: some fans and figures like Mike Schmidt praised the move, while others, including Bart Giamatti's son, argued it undermines baseball's integrity. Rose's reinstatement reopens debates about his legacy, gambling in sports, and Hall of Fame criteria, with his 4,256 hits and three World Series titles now eligible for Cooperstown's judgment.

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' All-Pro defensive end, is embroiled in a heated contract dispute as he enters the final year of his deal, set to earn $15.8 million in 2025. After leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, Hendrickson is pushing for a lucrative extension, frustrated by the Bengals' lack of communication since the NFL Draft. His camp reports no progress, with prior offers falling short of promises made last offseason. The Bengals, who recently signed Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive deals totaling $276 million, seem hesitant to meet Hendrickson's demands, possibly due to his age (31) and the team's methodical approach to contracts. Despite permission to seek a trade, no movement has occurred, raising speculation about a potential holdout. NFL insiders remain optimistic, with some believing Cincinnati will eventually pay Hendrickson, citing his critical role in their defense, which struggled last season. However, the drafting of edge rusher Shemar Stewart hints at a possible succession plan. As training camp looms, this saga could define the Bengals' 2025 season. Will they secure their star pass rusher or risk losing him? Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago White Sox Preview: May 13, 2025 The Cincinnati Reds (20-22) host the Chicago White Sox (12-29) at Great American Ball Park on May 13, 2025, kicking off a three-game series at 6:40 p.m. ET. The Reds, coming off a 2-7 stretch, aim to capitalize on their potent offense against a struggling White Sox squad fresh from a 2-1 series win over the Marlins. Cincinnati's Andrew Abbott (2.89 ERA) takes the mound, boasting a no-hit bid in his last outing, while Chicago counters with Jonathan Cannon (4.09 ERA), who's delivered three straight quality starts. The Reds are favored (-190 moneyline) with a 63% win probability, per predictive models, despite recent offensive woes from stars like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. The White Sox, projected for a 61-win season, rely on Luis Robert Jr. and a thin lineup. With a 9-run over/under, expect a tight contest, though Cincinnati's home advantage and pitching edge give them the nod. Fans on X are optimistic, with some predicting a Reds sweep if their bats wake up. A Reds win could spark momentum, while Chicago seeks an upset to build on their rare series victory.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Houston Astros MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Reds at Astros 2:10PM ET—Andrew Abbott will start for Cincinnati. Abbott has five starts in 2025 with an ERA of 2.25 with WHIP of 1.17. The left hander has an elite 31.6% K rate with 12.2% walks. Ground balls sit at 25.5% with 1.13 home runs per nine innings. A FIP of 3.65. Ronel Blanco is starting for Houston. Blanco, in seven starts, deals with an ERA of 4.98 with WHIP of 1.34. The right hander fans 21.9% with 11% walks. Grounders are 32.6% with 1.57 home runs per nine innings.

Chris Sale is back (2:19)! ... Matthew Liberatore might be breaking out (5:25)! ... Add Liberatore or Andrew Abbott (9:30)? ... Byron Buxton is on a tear and the Yankees had a 10-run inning (13:15)! ... We had bullpen meltdowns for the Cubs, Giants and Blue Jays (18:34). ... News (24:00): Teoscar Hernandez went on the IL. ... Any interest in Clarke Schmidt or Tyler Anderson (28:40)? ... Josh Smith is hitting .330 (35:33)! ... Is it time to drop these five hitters (38:39)? ... How do we rank these starting pitchers rest of season (47:50)? ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpens and streamers (58:00). Fantasy Baseball Today is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/FantasyBaseballToday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download and Follow Fantasy Baseball Today on Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sptfy.com/QiKv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get awesome Fantasy Baseball Today merch here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/3y8dUqi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow FBT on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fbtpod?_t=8WyMkPdKOJ1&_r=1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our FBT team on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FBTPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPTowers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CBSScottWhite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Roto_Frank⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Facebook group at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasybaseballtoday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the FBT Newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters/fantasy-baseball-today/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more fantasy baseball coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can listen to Fantasy Baseball Today on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Kirby and Trace Fowler recap a tough loss for the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night in Atlanta. They discuss the costly defensive miscue in the ninth inning that proved pivotal, Andrew Abbott's strong start, the Reds' inconsistent offense, and positive contributions from Austin Wynns and Santiago Espinal. They also cover all the Reds' minor league action and preview Wednesday's game against the Braves.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Ivngzt6_c&t=1583s    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB   

On May 6, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds fell to the Atlanta Braves 2-1 in a gut-wrenching extra-inning loss at Truist Park, marking their fourth straight defeat and sixth in eight games. The game was a pitchers' duel, with Reds starter Andrew Abbott delivering a stellar performance, allowing just one run over six innings, and reliever Tony Santillan pitching effectively. However, the offense struggled immensely, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities, including a leadoff double, and managing only one run despite multiple chances with runners in scoring position. A critical defensive miscue in the ninth inning involving Jake Fraley and Matt McLain, where a relay throw was not executed, allowed the Braves to extend the game. Emilio Pagán's blown save and Marcell Ozuna's walk-off single in the 10th sealed the Reds' fate, dropping their record to 18-19. Reds fans, already frustrated by a season of unmet expectations under manager Terry Francona, erupted on social media. Posts on X captured the sentiment: fans called the team's fundamental play “sickening,” lamenting poor situational hitting and communication errors, with one user stating, “The lack of offense is so underwhelming… Better tie the series next two games” ( @Rhino_2016 ). Others expressed disillusionment, feeling the game was “unwatchable” and criticizing Francona's leadership as merely “collecting a paycheck” ( @ZachDoran4 ). The inability to score the ghost runner in extra innings and the defensive blunder were particularly sore points, with fans labeling the loss “brutal” ( @RedsDaily4 ). Despite some acknowledgment of bad luck, like a hit-by-pitch call and an unlucky bounce, the consensus was clear: the Reds' offensive woes and sloppy play have pushed fan patience to the brink, with many questioning the team's direction.

Nick Cellini and Chris Dimino talk everything Atlanta Sports, the National Sports picture and the current (and WAY back when) in pop culture! Get the latest and your fill of Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks daily from two "Southern" Yankees daily Mon-Fri from 10a-2p! The 12 o'clock hour is brought to you by SCANA Energy, the Official Natural Gas Partner of Georgia Tech. AJ Smith-Shawver almost gets Braves 'No-no" since 1994 BTG X Question of the Day on the Harrah's Cherokee X Feed Falcons post Falcons draft grades not going well See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Reds at Braves 7:15PM ET—Andrew Abbott will start for Cincinnati. Abbott in four starts carries an ERA of 2.84 with WHIP of 1.26. The left-handed fans 29.1% with 15.2% walks. Ground balls served at 22.7% with 1.42 home runs per nine innings. Chris Sale starts for Atlanta. Sale has seven starts with an ERA of 4.84 with WHIP of 1.42. The veteran strikes out 29.3% with 5.7% walks. Ground balls come in at 35.7% with 1.27 home runs per nine innings.

It's a special father & son edition as Andrew Abbott and father David join to talk about the special dynamic of baseball dad & baseball son. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Game 2 Cardinals at Reds 6:40PM ET—Steven Matz will start for St Louis. Matz appeared in eight games with an ERA of 1.80 with WHIP of 0.90. The left hander fans 17.7% with 3.8% walks. Ground ball rate of 45% with no homers allowed. Andrew Abbott starts for Cincinnati. Abbott has five starts this season delivering an ERA of 3.60 with WHIP of 1.13. The lefty strikes out an elite 32.8% with 13.1% walks. Grounders are 24.2% with 1.80 home runs per nine innings.

St Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Cardinals at Reds 12:40PM ET—Matthew Liberatore is the starter for St Louis. Liberatore has five stars in the season carrying an ERA of 3.19 with WHIP of 0.97. The left hander fans 23.1% with 1.7% walks. Ground balls served at 44.4% with limited home run damage. Andrew Abbott will start for Cincinnati.

Trace Fowler and Nick Kirby recap the Cincinnati Reds win over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. They talk about the continued improved play of Noelvi Marte, a big day from Spencer Steer, Santiago Espinal performing after not starting for 6 days, a tough day on the mound for Andrew Abbott and much more. Plus a recap of all the Reds minor league action from Friday and a preview of Saturday's pitching matchup.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKy1r6Esmr0&t=673s    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB   

Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Reds at Rockies 8:40PM ET—Andrew Abbott will start for Cincinnati. Abbott in his first two starts allowed two earned runs with sixteen strikeouts in 11 innings. He has a career ERA of 3.69 with WHIP of 1.28 in 48 starts striking out 8.71 batters per nine innings and has been hurt by the home run ball. Kyle Freeland gets the start for Colorado. Freeland has five starts on the year delivering an ERA of 4.85 with WHIP of 1.27. The left hander fans 17.3% with 2.7% walks. Ground balls come in at 57.1% with limited home run damage.

C. Trent Rosecrans joins Eno and DVR to discuss the Reds -- including Andrew Abbott's fast start and track record of posting ERAs below his projections -- the ascent of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo's missing strikeouts amidst good results, and questions around the quality and depth of the Cincinnati bullpen. Plus, they examine the profile of Nick Kurtz, who has been promoted to the big leagues by the A's less than a year after he was drafted fourth overall out of Wake Forest. Rundown2:06 Please Help Us Understand Andrew Abbott9:00 Jose Trevino's Impact on the Staff & Clubhouse12:08 The Little Adjustment Paying Off for Hunter Greene18:11 Nick Lodolo's Missing Strikeouts22:05 Nick Martinez as a Great Fit27:07 What's Going On with the Reds' Bullpen?34:15 Nick Kurtz Gets the Call from the A's45:53 Craig Yoho Joins the Brewers' Relief Corps & Logan Henderson's Outlook54:00 Brandon Young is Back in the Mix for the OriolesFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialFollow Trent on Bluesky: @ctrent.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: C. Trent RosecransProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

C. Trent Rosecrans joins Eno and DVR to discuss the Reds -- including Andrew Abbott's fast start and track record of posting ERAs below his projections -- the ascent of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo's missing strikeouts amidst good results, and questions around the quality and depth of the Cincinnati bullpen. Plus, they examine the profile of Nick Kurtz, who has been promoted to the big leagues by the A's less than a year after he was drafted fourth overall out of Wake Forest. Rundown 2:06 Please Help Us Understand Andrew Abbott 9:00 Jose Trevino's Impact on the Staff & Clubhouse 12:08 The Little Adjustment Paying Off for Hunter Greene 18:11 Nick Lodolo's Missing Strikeouts 22:05 Nick Martinez as a Great Fit 27:07 What's Going On with the Reds' Bullpen? 34:15 Nick Kurtz Gets the Call from the A's 45:53 Craig Yoho Joins the Brewers' Relief Corps & Logan Henderson's Outlook 54:00 Brandon Young is Back in the Mix for the Orioles Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social Follow Trent on Bluesky: @ctrent.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris With: C. Trent Rosecrans Producer: Brian Smith Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Logan Henderson flashed in his major league debut (4:15). ... Andrew Abbott is racking up whiffs (10:10). ... Cubs-Dbacks was insane on Friday (16:35). ... The Reds put up 24 runs on Sunday (20:02). ... The Brewers ran wild against the A's (24:28). ... Chandler Simpson was promoted Friday and Agustin Ramirez is coming this week (34:00). ... News (45:14): Luis Arraez had a scary collison on Sunday Night Baseball. ... Which waiver wire pitchers emerged this weekend (53:13)? ... Add Jonathan Aranda or Kyle Manardo (1:02:30)? ... What's wrong with Clase and Devin Williams (1:09:00)? ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpen updates and streamers (1:12:15). Fantasy Baseball Today is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/FantasyBaseballToday Download and Follow Fantasy Baseball Today on Spotify: https://sptfy.com/QiKv Get awesome Fantasy Baseball Today merch here: http://bit.ly/3y8dUqi Follow FBT on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbtpod?_t=8WyMkPdKOJ1&_r=1 Follow our FBT team on Twitter: @FBTPod, @CPTowers @CBSScottWhite, @Roto_Frank Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasybaseballtoday Sign up for the FBT Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters/fantasy-baseball-today/ For more fantasy baseball coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can listen to Fantasy Baseball Today on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cincinnati Reds had a mixed weekend series against the San Francisco Giants from April 18-20, 2025, at Great American Ball Park, splitting the four-game set with a 2-2 record. The Reds, under new manager Terry Francona, showed flashes of their potential but struggled with consistency, finishing the series with a 10-10 record, placing them third in the NL Central. On Friday, the Reds secured a convincing 7-3 victory, powered by Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, who each hit three-run homers. Andrew Abbott delivered a strong performance, striking out 11 over six innings. Saturday's game saw the Reds erupt offensively, scoring 24 runs in a 24-6 rout—their highest run total since May 19, 1999. Austin Wynns went 6-for-7, and the bottom of the order (8th and 9th spots) combined for 11 hits and 13 RBIs, showcasing the team's depth. However, the Giants bounced back on Sunday, winning 5-3. Despite a competitive effort, the Reds' bullpen faltered late, and they couldn't capitalize on early scoring opportunities. Monday's series finale resulted in a 6-4 loss, with San Francisco's pitching stifling Cincinnati's offense after a strong start. The Reds' bullpen, a concern from the 2024 season, showed improvement but remains a work in progress. The weekend highlighted the Reds' young core, with De La Cruz's electrifying play and Hunter Greene's starts generating buzz. Fans at Great American Ball Park, despite recent flooding concerns, enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere. The Reds' ability to rebound in 2025 hinges on tightening their pitching and maintaining offensive firepower. This series encapsulated their season so far: promising yet inconsistent, with potential for a playoff push.

Trace Fowler and Nick Kirby recap the Cincinnati Reds big win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. They discuss the dominant performance by Andrew Abbott, and realistic expectations for him the rest of the season. They also discuss big games from Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Jeimer Candelario and Jose Trevino. Plus a recap of all the Reds minor league action and a preview of Saturday's game against the Orioles.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVUEAvGRyHU&t=623s    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB 

Cincinnati hit 3 home runs and Andrew Abbott struck out 11 as the Reds beat the Orioles 8-3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the April 18, 2025 episode of RJ Bell's Dream Preview MLB podcast, Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner provided in-depth analysis of the Friday baseball slate with betting insights. Munaf opened by highlighting his 5-1 betting record and credited their collaborative discussions for the success. The first matchup covered was Diamondbacks vs. Cubs (0:10–7:40). Corbin Burnes has struggled early, while Cubs starter Colin Rea provides potential value. Chicago leads MLB in runners in scoring position appearances and has scored 124 runs to Arizona's 104. The Cubs as home underdogs and a lean to the over were discussed, depending on Wrigley Field wind. In Royals vs. Tigers (7:41–11:34), Cole Ragans faces top prospect Jackson Jobe. Kansas City's offense has produced just 19 runs over its last 10 games and is 2-8 on the road. The Tigers' bullpen is strong, and both hosts leaned toward Detroit plus money and under 7.5. Guardians vs. Pirates (11:35–15:11) features Luis Ortiz against Carmen Mlodzinski. Mlodzinski has a 1.77 WHIP with command issues. The Guardians were favored due to bullpen depth. Pittsburgh is 6-4 at home and to the over. There was a slight lean to Cleveland and possibly over 8.5. In Marlins vs. Phillies (15:12–19:08), Sandy Alcantara is no longer dominant, while Zack Wheeler boasts an 11-4 record and 2.73 ERA against Miami. Philadelphia is 24-11 in Wheeler's home starts since 2023. The Phillies were a strong lean, especially on the run line. Yankees vs. Rays (19:49–25:11) featured Carlos Rodón, who has allowed 4+ earned runs and 3+ walks in three straight starts. Drew Rasmussen has not allowed a run in 21 career innings vs. the Yankees. Munaf's best bet was Rays first five innings at -110. In Reds vs. Orioles (25:12–28:31), Andrew Abbott faces Cade Povich. While Abbott had a solid outing against Pittsburgh, Baltimore's offense poses more danger. The Orioles were favored and offensive production expected. Mariners vs. Blue Jays (28:31–31:40) has Bryan Woo, who has struggled away from home, against Bowden Francis. Toronto is 7-3 at home and the over 7.5 was considered. Cardinals vs. Mets (31:42–35:05) pits Miles Mikolas against David Peterson. St. Louis is 1-6 on the road and lacks comeback potential. The Mets were the lean, especially on the run line. Griffin's best bet was Braves -130 vs. Twins (35:06–38:12). Chris Paddack has lost all three starts by 2+ runs and Bryce Elder is trying to earn a rotation spot. In Red Sox vs. White Sox (38:13–41:46), Martín Pérez is a steady innings-eater. Boston has a negative run differential and both hosts were reluctant to back them as heavy favorites. Dodgers vs. Rangers (41:46–45:55) features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has a 0.91 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 22 innings, against Jacob deGrom, who's allowed multiple home runs in consecutive starts. The Dodgers were favored early. In Astros vs. Padres (52:32–56:54), Kyle Hart rebounded after a poor debut, while Houston's Ryan Gusto is unproven. The Padres are 15-4, and with Houston's bullpen issues, San Diego at +123 was the consensus lean. Brewers vs. A's (56:55–1:01:02) has Freddy Peralta allowing six earned runs over 23.1 innings. Milwaukee is 43-27 at home in his starts since 2018. Nationals vs. Rockies (1:01:11–1:04:14) features cold Denver weather and a low total of nine. MacKenzie Gore's road struggles were noted, but Washington was the slight lean. Giants vs. Angels (1:04:14–1:07:43) featured Logan Webb's consistency against Tyler Anderson. San Francisco is 9-4 on the road with eight wins by 2+ runs. Munaf leaned Giants run line. The episode ended with a promo for Pregame's $1,000 MLB contest and 20 percent discount code HOMERUN20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the April 18, 2025 episode of RJ Bell's Dream Preview MLB podcast, Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner provided in-depth analysis of the Friday baseball slate with betting insights. Munaf opened by highlighting his 5-1 betting record and credited their collaborative discussions for the success. The first matchup covered was Diamondbacks vs. Cubs (0:10–7:40). Corbin Burnes has struggled early, while Cubs starter Colin Rea provides potential value. Chicago leads MLB in runners in scoring position appearances and has scored 124 runs to Arizona's 104. The Cubs as home underdogs and a lean to the over were discussed, depending on Wrigley Field wind. In Royals vs. Tigers (7:41–11:34), Cole Ragans faces top prospect Jackson Jobe. Kansas City's offense has produced just 19 runs over its last 10 games and is 2-8 on the road. The Tigers' bullpen is strong, and both hosts leaned toward Detroit plus money and under 7.5. Guardians vs. Pirates (11:35–15:11) features Luis Ortiz against Carmen Mlodzinski. Mlodzinski has a 1.77 WHIP with command issues. The Guardians were favored due to bullpen depth. Pittsburgh is 6-4 at home and to the over. There was a slight lean to Cleveland and possibly over 8.5. In Marlins vs. Phillies (15:12–19:08), Sandy Alcantara is no longer dominant, while Zack Wheeler boasts an 11-4 record and 2.73 ERA against Miami. Philadelphia is 24-11 in Wheeler's home starts since 2023. The Phillies were a strong lean, especially on the run line. Yankees vs. Rays (19:49–25:11) featured Carlos Rodón, who has allowed 4+ earned runs and 3+ walks in three straight starts. Drew Rasmussen has not allowed a run in 21 career innings vs. the Yankees. Munaf's best bet was Rays first five innings at -110. In Reds vs. Orioles (25:12–28:31), Andrew Abbott faces Cade Povich. While Abbott had a solid outing against Pittsburgh, Baltimore's offense poses more danger. The Orioles were favored and offensive production expected. Mariners vs. Blue Jays (28:31–31:40) has Bryan Woo, who has struggled away from home, against Bowden Francis. Toronto is 7-3 at home and the over 7.5 was considered. Cardinals vs. Mets (31:42–35:05) pits Miles Mikolas against David Peterson. St. Louis is 1-6 on the road and lacks comeback potential. The Mets were the lean, especially on the run line. Griffin's best bet was Braves -130 vs. Twins (35:06–38:12). Chris Paddack has lost all three starts by 2+ runs and Bryce Elder is trying to earn a rotation spot. In Red Sox vs. White Sox (38:13–41:46), Martín Pérez is a steady innings-eater. Boston has a negative run differential and both hosts were reluctant to back them as heavy favorites. Dodgers vs. Rangers (41:46–45:55) features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has a 0.91 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 22 innings, against Jacob deGrom, who's allowed multiple home runs in consecutive starts. The Dodgers were favored early. In Astros vs. Padres (52:32–56:54), Kyle Hart rebounded after a poor debut, while Houston's Ryan Gusto is unproven. The Padres are 15-4, and with Houston's bullpen issues, San Diego at +123 was the consensus lean. Brewers vs. A's (56:55–1:01:02) has Freddy Peralta allowing six earned runs over 23.1 innings. Milwaukee is 43-27 at home in his starts since 2018. Nationals vs. Rockies (1:01:11–1:04:14) features cold Denver weather and a low total of nine. MacKenzie Gore's road struggles were noted, but Washington was the slight lean. Giants vs. Angels (1:04:14–1:07:43) featured Logan Webb's consistency against Tyler Anderson. San Francisco is 9-4 on the road with eight wins by 2+ runs. Munaf leaned Giants run line. The episode ended with a promo for Pregame's $1,000 MLB contest and 20 percent discount code HOMERUN20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cuando se gana bien, es inevitable el optimismo. Vienen ahora los Rojos que han perdido 2 seguidos y nos pondrán a Andrew Abbott en la lomita, zurdo, ganó en su apertura ante los Piratas y solo espero que no haga Hyde un lineup especial contra zurdos. Que jueguen los que están bien. Kjerstad y Holliday tienen que estar, lo mismo que Mullins. Puede meter a Laureano en el LF y Kjerstad en el RF, pero deben estar Gunnar, Mullins, Kjerstad y Holliday sí o sí. No inventes Brandon por favor. Que Abbott no va a estar 9 innings tampoco.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Baltimore Orioles MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Reds at Orioles 7PM ET—Andrew Abbott will start for Cincinnati. Abbott in his 2025 debut allowed one earned run with five strikeouts in five innings at home to the Pirates. He was delayed due to a rotator cuff strain. The left hander had 25 starts last year with an ERA of 3.72 and WHIP of 1.30. He struck out 19.5% with 8.9% walks. Ground balls were 33.7% with 1.63 home runs per nine innings. Cade Povich will start for Baltimore. Povich in three starts has an ERA Of 3.60 with WHIP of 1.80. The lefty fanned 20.3% with 4.3% walks. Ground balls sit at 40.4% with 0.60 home runs per nine innings.

Trace Fowler and Nick Kirby recap the Cincinnati Reds win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. They talk about the Reds superstar, Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott's strong 2025 debut, the weapon that is Tony Santillan, Noelvi Marte's first start, the Reds strange roster management this week and much more. Plus a recap of the Reds minor league action and a preview of Sunday's finale as the Reds go for a SWEEP!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdGcAmUYADA&t=2s    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB 

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Pirates at Reds 6:40PM ET—Andrew Heaney will start for Pittsburgh. Heaney appeared in 32 games last season with an ERA of 4.28 with WHIP of 1.25. The left hander struck out 22.9% with 5.9% walks. Ground balls sat at 33.5% with 1.29 home runs per nine innings. He has two starts on the campaign allowing two earned runs with twelve strikeouts in 12 innings. Andrew Abbott gets the start for Cincinnati. Abbott had 25 starts in 2024 dealing with an ERA of 3.72 with WHIP of 1.30. The lefty fanned 19.5% with 8.9% walks. Ground balls came in at 33.7% with 1.63 home runs per nine innings. He gets a late start due to shoulder issues.

The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates kick off a three-game series at Great American Ball Park this weekend, April 11-13, 2025, with both teams looking to climb out of the NL Central basement. Tied for last place, this matchup feels like a generational clash of two franchises struggling to recapture past glory. The Reds, favored slightly at -155 for Friday's opener, aim to capitalize on home-field advantage, while the Pirates, at +129, hope to spoil the party. Friday's game sets the tone with Reds' right-hander Brady Singer facing Pittsburgh's lefty Bailey Falter. Singer, projected to anchor Cincinnati's rotation, looks to exploit a Pirates offense averaging a meager 2.6 runs over their last five games, with a .198 batting average and just one homer in their past three. Falter, coming off a rough outing against the Yankees, allowed seven runs, but his earlier start showed promise with only two earned runs over six innings. The Reds' lineup, led by Elly De La Cruz's .250 average and 12 RBI, will test Falter's ability to rebound. TJ Friedl and Jose Trevino add depth, though Cincinnati's 26th-ranked .231 team average last season suggests inconsistency. Saturday's 6:40 p.m. ET clash and Sunday's 1:40 p.m. ET finale remain murkier, with Pittsburgh's Carmen Mlodzinski slated for Sunday but no Reds starter confirmed. Cincinnati's rotation faces challenges, with Andrew Abbott potentially returning from injury, but their pitching staff boasts a 3.15 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, a clear edge over Pittsburgh's sputtering offense. The Pirates dodge a bullet missing Paul Skenes, whose absence leaves their rotation thinner. Pittsburgh's -19 run differential, worst in the NL Central, underscores their early-season woes. Both teams have injury concerns: Cincinnati's Matt McLain, Tyler Stephenson, and others are sidelined, while Pittsburgh's Johan Oviedo remains out. Yet, this series feels like a chance for the Reds to make a statement. Their losses have been close, unlike Pittsburgh's blowouts. With Friday's game on Apple TV+ and the weekend on FanDuel Sports Ohio, fans can expect tight, low-scoring affairs—Vegas sets the over/under at 8.5 runs for Friday. De La Cruz's speed and power could tilt the scales, but Pittsburgh's Bryan Reynolds might counter if he finds his groove. Expect a gritty, pivotal series as both teams fight for early momentum.

Trace Fowler and Nick Kirby recap yet another series loss for the Cincinnati Reds against the Milwaukee Brewers. They discuss the lineups continued struggles, the status of Matt McLain, Carson Spiers vs Andrew Abbott and more. Plus a recap of all the Reds minor league action and a preview of the Reds next series against the San Francisco Giants.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFXWMtMhuZw    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB 

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds have wrapped up their spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, finishing with a 12-17-1 record in the Cactus League. Despite the losing tally, the focus was on preparation rather than results, culminating in a strong 13-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in their final game. Key performances highlighted the camp: shortstop Elly De La Cruz thrived, slashing .452/.553/.839 with six extra-base hits and six stolen bases, showcasing his superstar potential. Outfielder Austin Hays led the team with 14 RBIs and a .310 average, proving his value as a cleanup hitter. Pitching-wise, Hunter Greene, set to start Opening Day on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants, struck out six in four innings during his penultimate tune-up. Nick Lodolo also impressed in the finale, signaling rotation strength. However, injuries impacted the roster—Andrew Abbott, Spencer Steer, and Tyler Stephenson will start the season on the IL, opening spots for prospects like Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds emphasized farm system development and organizational unity, aiming to end their playoff drought since 2020 as they head back to Cincinnati. In March 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals secured their star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with lucrative long-term contracts, ensuring quarterback Joe Burrow's top targets remain in place. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback at $40.25 million annually, with $73.9 million fully guaranteed at signing and $112 million total guaranteed. His deal includes a $41.17 million base salary and roster bonuses for 2025, with cash flow structured to deliver $105 million over three years, heavily front-loaded for flexibility. Higgins, previously on a franchise tag, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, averaging $28.75 million per year, the highest for a No. 2 receiver. His deal features $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, including a $20 million roster bonus in 2025, though his $13.8 million 2025 base salary remains unguaranteed, offering the Bengals an out after one year if needed. The Bengals deviated from their traditional signing bonus-heavy structure, opting for significant guarantees to appease Burrow's public push to retain both players. While this locks in their offensive core through 2029 (Chase) and 2028 (Higgins), critics note the team could have saved millions by acting earlier, as delays inflated costs amid a rising receiver market.

Nick Kirby recaps the Cincinnati Reds game against the San Diego Padres on Saturday. Nick talks about strong pitching performances from Andrew Abbott and Carson Spiers, the news that Spencer Steer is starting the season on the IL, an update on Tyler Stephenson and shares his thoughts on the Reds battle for the final two roster spots between Stuart Fairchild, Blake Dunn and Jacob Hurtubise.   DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   Nick Kirby: https://twitter.com/Nicholaspkirby Trace Fowler: https://twitter.com/CBoxTrace Craig Sandlin: https://x.com/Craig_Sandlin  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cboxsports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cboxsports/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBoxSports  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboxsports    GET CBOX GEAR:   Chatterbox Store: www.chatterboxsports.com/store

Another day, another injury. Ryan Weathers will start the season on the IL (3:03). ... News (7:24): Andrew Abbott will also start the season on the IL. ... Who were standouts on Thursday (13:03)? ... It's time to announce our listener league participants (21:30)! ... Let's get into the starting pitchers we keep drafting and the ones we're fading (24:44). ... Chris has wound up with Emmanuel Clase three times this offseason (34:30). ... Why do we keep drafting Steven Kwan (44:17)? ... Which of the three keeps drafting Bo Bichette (52:57)? ... The third round is popular for third basemen (58:15). ... Ozzie Albies continues to be undervalued (1:01:22). ... First base seems spread out (1:05:06). ... Does it make sense to take the injury discounts at catcher (1:10:49)? ... Who are the players we have FOMO with this season (1:14:31)?

Nick Kirby is joined by Hunter Hurst to breakdown the news that the Reds extended Jose Trevino, Andrew Abbott is starting the season on the IL, Carson Spiers in the starting pitching rotation and Graham Ashcraft in the bullpen. Nick also talks about the possibility of Alexis Diaz losing his job as Reds closer and recaps the Reds game against the Royals.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPFz2WMF_W4&t=14s    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   Nick Kirby: https://twitter.com/Nicholaspkirby Trace Fowler: https://twitter.com/CBoxTrace Craig Sandlin: https://x.com/Craig_Sandlin  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cboxsports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cboxsports/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBoxSports  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboxsports    GET CBOX GEAR:   Chatterbox Store: www.chatterboxsports.com/store    

Another great game for Elly, the latest on Graham Ashcraft and Andrew Abbott as Dave Armbruster checks in live from Arizona.

Nick Kirby is joined by Andrew . They discuss Andrew Abbott making his spring training debut, and his 2025 season outlook. They also talk about an impressive outing from Carson Spiers minus one funny hiccup, the Spring Breakout game and player that Andrew is higher on than most.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7XtBJY2VMJePmGWiDFEvG0A    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   Nick Kirby: https://twitter.com/Nicholaspkirby Trace Fowler: https://twitter.com/CBoxTrace Craig Sandlin: https://x.com/Craig_Sandlin  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cboxsports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cboxsports/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBoxSports  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboxsports    GET CBOX GEAR:   Chatterbox Store: www.chatterboxsports.com/store    

Host Nick Kirby recaps the Cincinnati Reds' spring training game against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. Nick dives into the standout performances of key players, including TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, Christian Encarncaion-Strand, Jeimer Candelario, Will Benson, Jose Trevenio, Nick Martinez and Alexis Diaz. Beyond the game, Nick keeps you in the loop with the latest Reds news, spotlighting updates on Cooper Bowman and Tyler Stephenson. He also provides injury updates for Spencer Steer, Andrew Abbott, and Rhett Lowder, ensuring fans are well-informed on the team's roster health. Tune in for an expertly crafted breakdown of all things Reds from spring training!   DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   Nick Kirby: https://twitter.com/Nicholaspkirby Trace Fowler: https://twitter.com/CBoxTrace Craig Sandlin: https://x.com/Craig_Sandlin  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cboxsports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cboxsports/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBoxSports  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboxsports    GET CBOX GEAR:   Chatterbox Store: www.chatterboxsports.com/store    

Nick Kirby recaps the Cincinnati Reds game against the LA Angels on Sunday. Later Nick is joined by Craig Sandlin to discuss the Reds 2025 rotation order as announced, Reds spring training roster cuts, Andrew Abbott's potential return getting closer, Spencer Steer's nagging injury, Cam Collier and more.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIsA7NgffJ0    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   Nick Kirby: https://twitter.com/Nicholaspkirby Trace Fowler: https://twitter.com/CBoxTrace Craig Sandlin: https://x.com/Craig_Sandlin  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cboxsports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cboxsports/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBoxSports  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboxsports    GET CBOX GEAR:   Chatterbox Store: www.chatterboxsports.com/store  

Nick Kirby is joined by special guest Matt Allaire to recap the Cincinnati Reds beatdown of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. They discuss incredible start to spring training from Elly De La Cruz and what his ceiling is in 2025. They talk about Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who both look healthy and ready to be big contributors for the Reds in 2025. They also talk about the Reds pitching depth given injuries to Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder and the report that the Reds are looking for more starting pitching.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7XtBJY2VMJePmGWiDFEvG0A    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/    CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org/get-help/national-resources/164/lifeline-crisis-chat    OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Off The Bench: https://otbthombrennaman.podbean.com/  Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  Dialed In with Thom Brennaman: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VLxmcTTWV0ubHu_cSFdEDU  Chatterbox Man on the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ye-HjJdmmQ&list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V0GOh595LyjumA0bZaqwh9&pp=iAQB    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   Nick Kirby: https://twitter.com/Nicholaspkirby Trace Fowler: https://twitter.com/CBoxTrace Craig Sandlin: https://x.com/Craig_Sandlin  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cboxsports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cboxsports/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBoxSports  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboxsports    GET CBOX GEAR:   Chatterbox Store: www.chatterboxsports.com/store    

In this week's episode, we take a look at five reasons to buy direct from authors through platforms such as Shopify and Payhip. We also take a look at my choice of computing platforms for 2025. This week's coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Ghost in the Tombs, Book #3 in the Ghost Armor series, (as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy) at my Payhip store: TOMBS50 The coupon code is valid through February 7, 2025. So if you need a new audiobook for next week's cold weather, we've got you covered! 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates   Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 235 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is January the 17th, 2025 and today we are discussing the advantages of buying direct from the author. I will also share an update on what I've done for my writing computers this year and we also have Coupon of the Week, Question of the Week, and an update on my current writing projects. So let's get right to it.   Let's start with Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code is for the audiobook of Ghost in the Tombs, as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy. That is Book Three of the Ghost Armor series, and this coupon will get you 50% off the audiobook at my Payhip store: TOMBS50. This coupon code will be valid through February 7, 2025. So if you need a new audiobook for next week's cold weather, we have got you covered. Now let's share an update on my current writing projects. As of this recording, I am 116,000 words into Shield of Deception, which puts me on chapter 28 of 31. So I'm hoping before too much longer I will be able to be done with the rough draft, which I think I'm hoping I'm going to be able to finish it on Monday the 20th if all goes well, but we'll see how things work out. I think it's going to end up being around 125,000 words, which will make it the longest book in the Shield War series and probably the longest book I've written since the end of my Dragontiarna series back in 2021. I kind of wanted a break from really long, complex epic fantasy, but I had my break. I'm rested and now we're doing it again. I'm also 13,000 words into Ghost in the Tombs, which will be the fourth book in the Ghost Armor series, and I'm hoping to have that out in March and Shield Deception out in February.   In audiobook news, Cloak of Masks is entirely done and working its way through processing. As I mentioned last week, it should be up on a couple of the stores like Google Play, Kobo, and Chirp, though it is not up on Audible yet. On Audible, though, is Ghost Armor Omnibus One (again narrated by Hollis McCarthy). That is an omnibus bundle of the first three books in the Ghost Armor series. That is available in audio at Audible, Amazon, and Apple. If you're on Audible, it is 31 hours of listening for just one credit, which in my opinion is a pretty good deal. That is where I'm at with my current writing projects.   00:02:32 Question of the Week   Now let's move on to Question of the Week. Question of the Week is intended for enjoyable discussions of interesting topics. This week's question: what is your favorite Mexican dish? No wrong answers, including not enjoying Mexican food. A little bit about semantics. I'm aware that Mexican food is a very broad net and like all such definitions is prone to a substantial bit of haziness. Mexican cuisine is not the same as Tex-Mex, which is not the same as Puerto Rican cuisine, which is not the same as Guatemalan cuisine and so on. And the various regions of Mexico itself all have their own distinct culinary traditions. But this is true of all cuisines. By Mexican food, I mean Mexican food as it is generally defined in the United States, which tends to be an assemblage of various foods from the American Southwest, Mexico, and Latin America. And as you might expect, we had numerous responses.   Our first response is from Justin who says: We have taco night here once a week or so, but no actual tacos are used. A pan of seasoned crumbled hamburger meat along with standard toppings is available for folks to make what they want. That generally becomes beef and cheese burritos and taco salad (regular bowl, corn chips added as desired).   Hollis (who narrates the Ghost and Cloak audiobooks as we as mentioned) says: Quesadillas. Taste decadent but can pack in healthy spinach and peppers and whole wheat tortillas with decadent meat and cheese.   Juana says: burritos, loaded!   Tracy says: chicken and guacamole with roasted veggies.   Becca says: Chile en nogada, basically a meat stuffed grilled chili. I have had it with chicken and beef, usually comes with pomegranate or other fruit containing sauce.   John says: Three barbacoa tacos with cilantro, onion and the green salsa and three beef fajita tacos the same way. With large horchata from a sketchy food truck usually found in front of the local tire shop.   I have to say some of the best Mexican food I've had has come from somewhat sketchy food trucks in front of local tire shops.   Bob says: Any kind of mole. One nearby restaurant had a duck mole that was excellent.   A different John says: I'm always searching for a great cheese enchilada. At least three, please. Cheryl says: Never had Mexican, so can't comment.   Jenny says: Queso dip, especially when it's got beef and chili seasoning (not like chili peppers, but the southwest chili seasoning and beef).   Scott says: Anything Al Pastor (burritos taco, et cetera).   Steve says: Fish tacos, any way I can get them.   Yet another John says: Brisket quesadillas.   I've actually had those and they're very good.   Andrew Abbott says: Quesadilla.   Gary says: Al pastor.   Mandy says: Carnitas.   For myself, I think my favorite would be arroz con pollo with mushrooms. Tasty, very filling, and so long as you don't go too heavy on the cheese, it's not too terribly bad for you. I've had a couple of different variations of it, including one that had carrots and I admit I was dubious when it came out with carrots in the arroz con pollo, but it was really good. Steak fajitas would be a close second in my Mexican food preference list. The inspiration for this question was that I made homemade nachos for dinner twice this week and I also made tacos twice for dinner this week because if you make up enough taco mix, you can get a couple of meals out of it. So that's it for Question of the Week.   00:05:37 Work Computers/Writing Computer for 2025   Now I thought I'd talk a little bit about what I'm going to use for a computer in 2025. The reason for this is a couple of weeks ago, I posted a meme about choosing a new computer on Facebook and promptly forgot I had done so, but then I looked back a week and a half later to see it had gone viral and people are still arguing about the best computer in the comments, which is good summary of social media, isn't it? You can carefully consider a 1,500 word post that will get like three likes at the most but toss a meme up and forget about it and you'll come back in a week to see it had thousands of views and almost 300 comments, all of them arguing for or against specific computing platforms. So that is the reason I thought I would share what I actually picked for my computing needs in 2025.   Three caveats: One, for your own computing requirements, pick whatever meets your needs and that your budget will allow. Windows, Mac OS, Linux, a tablet, whatever. It doesn't really matter. Honestly, I think 90% of people can do 95% of what they need in a web browser nowadays anyway and maybe use a cheap laser printer to print something out like every other month or so. I recently helped an elderly relative with a computer problem and she does about 95% of her computer needs on her Kindle Fire tablet and only breaks out her laptop when a webpage doesn't render properly on mobile. She can even print from her Kindle Fire. That said, I definitely fall into that 10% that cannot use a web browser for everything. Caveat two, my objective isn't to have the best computer or the most powerful computer, it's to have the computer that will be the most efficient in helping me write and publish books. And finally, caveat three. I worked for a long, long time in IT support and I did in fact write an internationally bestselling book about the Linux command line. I have done tech support for operating systems that no longer exist. Remember Windows CE on phones, Palm OS, Windows Phone, getting Mac OSX to talk to Windows Print Services, getting Mac OSX to talk to Active Directory, and Windows Millennium Edition (ugh)? I remember them and none too fondly. That means whatever objection you may have to Windows, Mac OS, Linux, or any other operating system, I probably know about it already have personally experienced it and have in fact tried to fix it while on the phone with someone having a panic attack about that particular problem. So with all that in mind, this is what I will use for computers in 2025 and hopefully for several years longer than that. For my writing/editing computer, I have picked a Mac mini M4. I've mentioned before that I'm increasingly unhappy with Windows 11 because of Microsoft's turn towards AI. I thought long and hard about either Linux or Mac OS and in the end, I decided on Mac OS because I have several subcontractors who all use Excel. Granted, you can install Excel on a Linux system with an emulation layer, but it never works 100% right. Some of the more advanced Excel stuff, which I do use, freaks out with it. There are a number of excellent spreadsheet programs available for Linux as well, but none of them have 100% compatibility with Excel, which is what I need.   Additionally for ebook and paperback formatting, I use Vellum, which is Mac only. I have been very happy with Vellum since 2018, which means I've it to format around 60 different eBooks and paperbacks. So based on all that, I chose the Mac mini M4. I've been reasonably happy with it so far, since I've written about half of Shield of Deception on it. It's quite fast, which shows there are some advantages to the same company producing the CPU and the operating system. Microsoft Word is definitely faster on the M4 and the M Series Macs than it was on the Intel based Macs. I wasn't expecting this, but the overall lack of distraction in Mac OS is nice. It's very unobtrusive. Windows 11 is a very cluttered environment by default with lots of distractions and it is very annoying how Microsoft has been encrusting ads throughout the operating system. You can turn on quiet mode of course, but it's pleasant to have the overall lack of distraction be the default. So the Mac mini M4 will be the computer I use for writing, editing and book layout, but that's not all I do. My everything else computer will be a Windows 11 Intel Core I7 desktop. My previous computer before the Mac mini, a Windows 11 box with Intel Core I7, will also remain in use. The thing about being an indie publisher is that writing and editing isn't all I do. I do my own covers now, which means Photoshop and DAZ3D. Both of those applications are big, fat memory hogs. I definitely did not want to shell out the money for a Mac with that much memory. There's also advertising, which means a lot of spreadsheets and using Photoshop to make those ad images and other miscellaneous tasks like recording expenses, web design, audio proofing, podcast recording, and so forth. In fact, I'm recording this podcast on that computer right now, so my Windows 11 box is now my everything else computer. It doesn't have an NPU chip, which means that Windows 11's more odious features like Recall won't work on it, therefore I plan to nurse it along as long as possible. I have to admit there was an unanticipated pleasant psychological effect to this. When I write, I go to my writing computer and when I need to do something else, I use my everything else computer, so it's easier to avoid getting distracted by something else I need to do while I'm writing.   I should mention gaming. I don't really use desktop computers for gaming any longer. They're for work. If there's a PC game I want to play, it needs to be able to run on my laptop while I sit on my couch. Otherwise, it's not going to happen. In the past five years, I spent more time playing games on the Switch and the Xbox than on desktop PC. So that is my computer plan for 2025, write on the Mac, do everything else on the PC. I should mention that the day before I started recording this, Microsoft pushed out an update that added this big ugly Copilot AI button to Word and Excel. So while I'm going to finish Shield of Deception in Microsoft Word, I am probably going to write Ghost in the Assembly in either Libre Office Writer or maybe MobiOffice. I need something that's cross compatible between Windows and Mac, so I'll be investigating other word processor options with all this Copilot stuff they're jamming into Word, but in the end, I'm grateful I'm able to use two different desktop computers and hopefully I will use these computers to produce many good books for you to read in 2025.   00:12:00 Main Topic of the Week: 5 Reasons You Should Buy Direct from Authors   Now on to our main topic, five reasons you should buy direct from authors. What do we mean by selling direct? It's when the author has his or her own store hosted on a site like Shopify or Payhip that allows the author to sell eBooks, audiobooks, and sometimes paperbacks direct to readers. I should mention this is not intended in any way to be shaming or bullying. If you are most comfortable buying your eBooks from Amazon or Kobo or Apple Books or Google or any other platform, that is what you should do. This is just to talk about the advantages for both readers and writers for buying direct from authors. Payhip and Shopify are the two most popular platforms for selling direct to readers. I use Payhip since I'm mostly interested in selling eBooks and audiobooks direct and not paperbacks. You can actually look at my Payhip store, which is https://payhip.com/jonathanmoeller. The links are also available on my website and indeed in the show notes for the show for Coupon of the Week.   So why even bother with direct sales when most people are now locked into a platform like Amazon or Kobo and their libraries? Why take the time to convince readers to buy directly from the author? What are the advantages to the author and more importantly, what are the advantages to the reader? And there are five of them, which we'll discuss now.   #1: Faster access to new releases. The reason Payhip is always the first platform to become available for one of my new books by about a day or so is that when a new title releases, it's because I'm uploading it myself. With Amazon or other sites, my books are essentially put into a line with many, many other titles and I can't control or predict when it will become available for customers. Various stores can take longer to process or be unavailable/down when a new book releases. Kobo glitched quite badly at various points throughout 2024. In 2021, Barnes and Noble suffered a ransomware attack that blocked the ability to upload new books to the platform for about a month, and all the other stores have had various technical glitches throughout time. That's just the nature of running a large website, but having a site like Payhip gives me a place where people can turn to when it happens. Quite a few people bought Cloak of Illusion from Payhip because Kobo was down for a week when I was trying to upload the book to the site.   #2: The second reason, which is a big advantage for both readers and writers, is that I can control discounts and permafree so it's easier to get discounts from an author's store. It's easier to provide discounts on Payhip because I'm getting a higher profit margin. Even with the 50% discount on Ghost in the Tombs we mentioned this week, I still would make from that discounted audiobook more than on Audible and pretty close to what I get from some of the more generous sites like Chirp or Google Play or Kobo.   Just like with the uploads, I also have complete control over when the discounts happen on Payhip. Otherwise, as I mentioned earlier, I'm at the mercy of when the uploaded book processes on various stores, just like with release dates. It's hard to promote discounts or short-term freebies on those other platforms because the price change move slowly (and often unreliably) there, whereas they're instant on Payhip. Payhip is also my hub for providing free content to my readers beyond my Permafree series starters. Keep an eye on my blog and Facebook page for Coupon of the Week, where as I mentioned earlier in the show, I give out codes with steep discounts for my Payhip store. I also provide free short stories on my Payhip store for a limited time when new books release. Subscribe to my newsletter if you'd like to know when those free short stories become available. I also make a dozen older short stories (both ebook and audiobook) free on my Payhip at the end of each year, an event called 12 Days of Short Story Christmas. If you follow my website and blog, you might remember that from recently. It would take too much time away from writing to do all these things on all the other platforms, and it often isn't technically possible. Using Payhip frees up my time to do more writing instead of trying to work with the tech support of six different vendors when something doesn't switch price in time to run a specific promotion.   #3: A third advantage, and that is a big advantage for readers, is I am not interested in your data and I am not spying on you the way that a large e-commerce site might be. Payhip basically just shows me the buyer's email for an individual's data. I can't see any other purchases you make. I can't see any individual demographic data and I can't see anything that would be uncomfortable for me to know. Basically all I see is your email address and your geographic location (your rough geographic location), which obviously the store needs in order to calculate sales tax liability. I intentionally set up the Payhip store so that you don't need a user account to buy books or audiobooks there. We also try and turn off the more annoying site settings like follow up emails that request reviews. Even the aggregate data on the Payhip app dashboard is extremely limited compared to other platforms. I can see a map shaded in with countries of visitors, which isn't accurate or useful in an age where you can use a VPN to switch your location with the click of a button. [We can see] if users are accessing the link directly from a Google search and the raw number of clicks on the page. Compared to the amount of data collected by other sites, [that is very minimal]. For example, other sites can show that men ages 23 to 28 who like Taylor Swift, own a cat, and live in Canada are looking at your page at midnight on Tuesday. That is much less data than Payhip collects, so therefore, if you're concerned about data privacy, Payhip is a stronger choice than most other ebook and audiobook platforms. For details about what Payhip tracks separate from what the individual author does, check out their privacy policy.   #4: The fourth advantage is the reader gets a choice of file formats and you can send files to another ebook library. With Amazon or indeed any of the other ebook stores, you get your chosen format for an ebook and can't switch that format without using third party software. At my Payhip store, you get three ebook formats: epub, PDF, and when possible, the ancient .mobi format (which is kinda depreciated and gradually going away). I've noticed that people who like PDFs really like PDFs, and so if you want your ebook in PDF form, you can get them in PDF form from my Payhip store.   Having a choice of different file formats allows you to more easily import the books into the platforms you already use like Kindle or Kobo. It's a pretty simple process to send files to your Kindle, Kobo, iPad, or other device so you have access to them in your library there. All my eBooks are integrated with Book Funnel, so if you have a Book Funnel account, they automatically show up in your library. Book Funnel also has directions for sideloading the files onto your various devices.   #5: The fifth advantage, and this is a really big one for readers, is all the files you buy from me on Payhip are DRM free files that you can self-archive. Digital rights management limits your ability to transfer books and audiobooks through apps, devices, and so forth. It controls the way that you access things you have purchased. It's often said that you don't buy digital content, you have a conditional lease on it that's controlled by the platform you buy it from.   The content that you buy can disappear, especially when a platform is sold or closes. We've all heard horror stories of people whose accounts at various online retailers get closed for some reason, and then they lose their access to the library of any media they have purchased there or a platform can go out of business. There was a minor, well, actually a fairly major scandal a few years ago when a romance themed ebook store went out of business and everyone lost their access to their libraries. And for a while Microsoft was offering eBooks for sale through the Edge browser, but as we know, Microsoft tends to change mind about things a lot, and that went away and eventually people lost their ability to access any eBooks they had purchased through the Microsoft store. And this isn't even the first time Microsoft did this. Way back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, Microsoft was trying to be become a music retailer to compete with Apple's iTunes store, and they used a kind of a DRM called Play For Sure. Eventually they got out of that business and shut down Play For Sure's servers and anyone who had purchased music locked to that DRM could no longer play it. Our Payhip store has DRM free files. These allow you to store and archive the files separate from the ebook and audiobook stores so that doesn't happen. It allows you to actually own the content that you buy and build a library that best suits your needs. So that way, if for some reason (let's say for example, your audiobook store account gets hacked and you get locked out of it), you won't lose all your eBooks that you bought through my Payhip store if you downloaded them and stored them on a local storage device or some other kind of archive system.   One final advantage that is more for the author than for the reader, it is a better profit margin for direct sales than is for any of the other stores. The best percentage you can get in the ebook sales on any of the other stores is Amazon, which offers 70% for eBooks between $2.99 and $9.99. Whereas with Payhip, I get about 85% of each sale (minus sales tax and credit card processing fees). The Coupons of the Week we have been doing so far this year are a good example of that. I'm selling the Ghost audiobooks connected with the coupon for 50% off and the standard sales price is $11.99, which means you get them for about $5.99. Even though that's cheap, I still get almost as much money from a $5.99 sale than I would from a purchase on Audible or any of the other major audiobook platforms. Those are five reasons to buy direct from an author. I should note, it's just not good for the author. It offers many advantages for the reader as well.   So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the backup episodes at https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.

Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer joined Off The Bench on Thursday morning to discuss a bunch of topics including the Reds off-season plans, Matt McLain possibly playing centerfield, a challenge from Derek Johnson to Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott and more. Nick Kirby shares his thoughts on Charlie's comments plus gives you an update on how Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Edwin Arroyo, Tyler Callihan and Connor Phillips are doing out in the Arizona Fall League.   Charlie Goldsmith Full Interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pesIUEkhCOI&t=339s    Gametime App ($20 off your first order with promo code CINCY:   TERMS APPLY   IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gametime-last-minute-tickets/id630687854 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gametime.gametime&pli=1 Web: https://gametime.co/    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/       

Andrew Abbott got away with it again (3:10)! ... Gavin Williams looked much better in his second start (7:14). ... News (12:36): Mike Trout could take batting practice this week. ... Christian Scott is lacking strikeouts and Mitchell Parker looked great (21:36). Yilber Diaz looked very good in his debut! ... Brooks Lee put together another multi-hit effort (28:41). ... Which hitters have really turned things up over the last 28 days (35:50)? ... Should you look to buy-low or drop these cold hitters (43:57)? ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpen updates, streamers and Team Name Tuesday (52:26). Fantasy Baseball Today is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/FantasyBaseballToday Download and Follow Fantasy Baseball Today on Spotify: https://sptfy.com/QiKv Get awesome Fantasy Baseball Today merch here: http://bit.ly/3y8dUqi Follow FBT on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbtpod?_t=8WyMkPdKOJ1&_r=1 Follow our FBT team on Twitter: @FBTPod, @CTowersCBS, @CBSScottWhite, @Roto_Frank Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasybaseballtoday Sign up for the FBT Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters/fantasy-baseball-today/ For more fantasy baseball coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can listen to Fantasy Baseball Today on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wyatt Langford is on fire, Lars Nootbaar is back, and Shelby Miller got a save? Get caught up on the news, injuries, best bets of the day and more from Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) and Chris Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh). Intro - 0:00:00 Wyatt Langford - 0:03:04 Elly De La Cruz - 0:07:37 Oneil Cruz - 0:07:53 Chris Paddack - 0:07:58 Chris Sale - 0:08:05 Shelby Miller - 0:13:35 Eddie Rosario - 0:14:05 Lars Nootbaar - 0:14:11 Junior Caminero - 0:14:21 3 Up: Eloy Jimenez, Andrew Abbott, and Brandon Nimmo - 0:19:43 3 Down: Paul Sewald, James Wood, and DJ Herz - 0:20:12 Injury Updates - 0:20:28 MLB Best Bets - 0:24:26 HR Board and HR Calls - 0:28:06 Outro - 0:31:53 Sponsors:

Happy Birthday, Chris! Andrew Abbott got away with it again (5:35). ... Dean Kremer looked great in his return from the IL (10:05). ... Joey Estes threw a Maddux against the Angels (14:08)! ... Royce Lewis went on the IL and Royce Lewis was promoted (17:55)! Aaron Civale was traded, which means Shane Baz is back! ... News (25:50): Jordan Romano had elbow surgery and will not throw for six weeks. ... How do we rank Abbott, Kremer, Michael Wacha and Colin Rea (30:55)? ... Gavin Williams got hit hard in his season debut (36:15). ... Three other young pitchers struggled (41:04). ... Add Mark Vientos or Noelvi Marte (45:51)? ... Start, sit or drop Ryan Pepiot, Carlos Rodon and Yusei Kikuchi (51:21)? ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpen updates and streamers (58:44). Fantasy Baseball Today is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/FantasyBaseballToday Download and Follow Fantasy Baseball Today on Spotify: https://sptfy.com/QiKv Get awesome Fantasy Baseball Today merch here: http://bit.ly/3y8dUqi Follow FBT on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbtpod?_t=8WyMkPdKOJ1&_r=1 Follow our FBT team on Twitter: @FBTPod, @CTowersCBS, @CBSScottWhite, @Roto_Frank Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasybaseballtoday Sign up for the FBT Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters/fantasy-baseball-today/ For more fantasy baseball coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can listen to Fantasy Baseball Today on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Noelvi Marte is back (2:35)! ... Andrew Abbott can't keep getting away with this (6:50)! ... Carlos Rodon got crushed by the Blue Jays (12:19). ... Are we buying Cardinals pitching prospect Quinn Mathews (18:30)? ... News (23:26): Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber left with injury. ... Any interest in Abbott, Ben Lively, Michael Wacha and Trevor Rogers (29:48)? ... What do we do with Jordan Montgomery and Jon Gray (33:20)? ... Who were our biggest rankings over this week (39:50)? ... Let's preview Week 15, starting with the schedule and two-start pitchers (52:30). ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpen updates and streamers (1:01:44). Fantasy Baseball Today is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/FantasyBaseballToday Download and Follow Fantasy Baseball Today on Spotify: https://sptfy.com/QiKv Get awesome Fantasy Baseball Today merch here: http://bit.ly/3y8dUqi Follow FBT on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbtpod?_t=8WyMkPdKOJ1&_r=1 Follow our FBT team on Twitter: @FBTPod, @CTowersCBS, @CBSScottWhite, @Roto_Frank Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasybaseballtoday Sign up for the FBT Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters/fantasy-baseball-today/ For more fantasy baseball coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can listen to Fantasy Baseball Today on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 From on-the-field to off-the-field, it's a wide ranging conversation with Andrew Abbott as he returns to the Jim Day Podcast. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ranger Suarez has been otherworldly this season (3:00)! How do we evaluate Suarez moving forward? ... Colt Keith is racking up hits in May (14:50). ... Kyle Tucker and Bobby Witt have both taken another step (17:16). ... News (20:06): Trea Turner is running at 80 percent. ... Maybe these breakouts are just really good (24:43). ... Brandon Pfaadt and Andrew Abbott are pitching well (35:16). ... Should Matt Chapman and Ezequiel Tovar be rostered in shallow leagues (41:48)? ... What's going on with Michael Harris, Thairo Estrada and others (50:06)? ... We got rough outings from Javier Assad and Cristian Javier (53:55). ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpen updates and streamers (57:55). Fantasy Baseball Today is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/FantasyBaseballToday Download and Follow Fantasy Baseball Today on Spotify: https://sptfy.com/QiKv Get awesome Fantasy Baseball Today merch here: http://bit.ly/3y8dUqi Follow FBT on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbtpod?_t=8WyMkPdKOJ1&_r=1 Follow our FBT team on Twitter: @FBTPod, @CTowersCBS, @CBSScottWhite, @Roto_Frank Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasybaseballtoday Sign up for the FBT Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters/fantasy-baseball-today/ For more fantasy baseball coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can listen to Fantasy Baseball Today on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices