Podcast appearances and mentions of Grant Balfour

Earlier today, TKras spoke with Grant Balfour regarding all things 2025 Rays, pitching, hitting, Steinbrenner Field and more!

In the show's second hour, Grant Balfour, former MLB pitcher joined TKras today, what does he think of the rotation, routine of a MLB player, the heat and humnidity in Tampa and more. Plus, what did Todd Bowles say that concerned TKras in regards to Chris Godwin?

A's Broadcaster, Vince Cotroneo, breaks down the greatest moments in Oakland history. In this episode, Cotroneo recaps Rickey Henderson's two leadoff home runs during a doubleheader in 93, Sean Manaea's no-hitter vs the Red Sox, Grant Balfour setting the Oakland consecutive saves record, Stephen Piscotty's home run at Fenway and Jack Cust's walkoff home run vs the Cleveland Indians.  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

15K+ showed up for Fans Fest in Oakland. It's an FT Live special on the state of the A's, untold stories from notable names and what's really happening with the relocation situation.Guest list: Trevor May, Grant Balfour, Coco Crisp, Brian Johansen, Melissa Lockard, mayor Sheng Thao, Don Wakamatsu, JT Snow, NBC's Casey Pratt, & Damon BrucePROGRAMMING ALERT! FT Live starts 11a ET Monday until Opening DayGot merch? FT SHOP

15K+ showed up for Fans Fest in Oakland. It's an FT Live special on the state of the A's, untold stories from notable names and what's really happening with the relocation situation. Guest list: Trevor May, Grant Balfour, Coco Crisp, Brian Johansen, Melissa Lockard, mayor Sheng Thao, Don Wakamatsu, JT Snow, NBC's Casey Pratt, & Damon Bruce PROGRAMMING ALERT! FT Live starts 11a ET Monday until Opening Day Got merch? FT SHOP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anthony Rendon keeps digging himself a deeper hole and Eric Byrnes demands that he abandon his selfish mentality.The former Oakland A's outfielder lashes out about the ongoing relocation saga and disagrees with Braun about blocking the Athletics name from hitting Vegas.Also featured in this convo: Dodgers HYPE, Banana Ball concepts that MLB can learn from, new uniform disaster, and a ridiculous story about BAD youth coaching!PROGRAMMING ALERT: FT Live 230p ET Saturday @ Fans Fest in Oakland!Guest list includes Coco Crisp, Grant Balfour, Trevor May & the mayor of Oakland. Watch the show --> HEREHosts on this pod: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunCheck out Eric's new book: LET THEM PLAY: A Parenting and Coaching Guide to Youth Sports

Anthony Rendon keeps digging himself a deeper hole and Eric Byrnes demands that he abandon his selfish mentality. The former Oakland A's outfielder lashes out about the ongoing relocation saga and disagrees with Braun about blocking the Athletics name from hitting Vegas. Also featured in this convo: Dodgers HYPE, Banana Ball concepts that MLB can learn from, new uniform disaster, and a ridiculous story about BAD youth coaching! PROGRAMMING ALERT: FT Live 230p ET Saturday @ Fans Fest in Oakland! Guest list includes Coco Crisp, Grant Balfour, Trevor May & the mayor of Oakland. Watch the show --> HERE Hosts on this pod: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Check out Eric's new book: LET THEM PLAY: A Parenting and Coaching Guide to Youth Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former MLB Pitchers Ryan Rowland-Smith and Grant Balfour, talk about who came out on top of the trad,e what its like knwoing that your buddies in the clubhouse might be on the move and more! THis episode is brought to you by Manscaped. Use the trimmer we use, and save 20% plus FREE Shipping using the code TTS Go to www.manscape.com and use TTS at checkout. It's world wide shipping to mates! This show is also brought to you by Caldera + Lab. Fellas get the same skin care routine as your mates Grant and Ryan! Takes the same time as brushing your teeth. Your weathered face will thank you! Plus, you support the show! Get 20% OFF with our code TTS at calderalab.com/TTS to unlock your youthful glow with Caldera + Lab!  Thanks for supporting the show mates!! Enjoy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Former MLB Pitcher and current Baseball analyst Ryan Rowland-Smith recaps the Mariners week and breakdown Luis Castillo's fastball and explains 'vertical approach angle' in this Mariners edition of The Top Step. Grant Balfour will new back later in the week! PLEASE subscribe and spread the word with your fellow M's fans! We appreciate the TTS Family spreading the word! Enjoy mates! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Former MLB pitcher Grant Balfour joins Bob and Ryan Rowland-Smith to discuss his time playing for the A's and what it feels like to see the franchise fall to the depths that they have this season. Balfour also talks about some of the changes he has enjoyed seeing since his time in the league and weighs in on what could come next for MLB. Then, Mariners pitcher Chris Flexen joins the show to talk about the team's mentality right now and why he has been able to find success since moving back to the bullpen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aussie MLB Players Ryan Rowland-Smith and Grand Balfour dive into all the talk around Baseball this week. From the Rays 130 win pace, will they have enough to beat the Mariner's 2001 record of 116 wins what will it take?  Bryce Harper is back in under six months. This is so impressive, but is it too fast? Grant Balfour has been through major arm injuries and gives his take, PLUS Wander Franco's viral play. Does it make you vomit or are we all for it?  Australian Word the Day, the All In Energy Drink All in Moment, and more!  Make sure you subscribe and click the share button and send it to your mates, that's how you support this show!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Aussie MLB Players Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith discuss the unexpected viral sensation of  Grant Balfour and his rise to internet fame.  We also tackle the big news of the Oakland A's potential move to Las Vegas and what it means for the team, the fans, and baseball. We also give our old man thoughts on the  City Connect uniforms that have been making waves across the league.  Listen on the go wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube.  Make sure you subscribe, mate!  Enjoy!  www.thetopstep.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

With the news that the Oakland Athletics have purchased land in Las Vegas with the intention of relocating over the coming years, Jake and Jordan look at beginning of the A's tenure in Oakland, break down their relationship with the local government, and talk about the move from a Las Vegas perspective.Marc Carig from The Athletic, lifelong A's fan, talks about how he felt when he saw the news, his thoughts on the Oakland Coliseum and it's relationship with the franchise, and more.Then, former Oakland Athletics All-Star Grant Balfour joins the show to talk about his experience playing in Oakland 2011-2013, as well as Balfour Rage, playing in subpar facilities, and his best Yoenis Cespedes story.

Former MLB player and current broadcaster 'The Hyphen' Ryan Rowland-Smith breaks down the scorching start of Jarred Kelenic and whether it's sustainable.  Can he continue to perform at this level and become a superstar, as we anticipated?  We also dive deep into the current mental struggle of Chris Flexen, who calls it “rock bottom.” RRS takes us back to his own rock bottom, giving you an inside look at what it takes to overcome adversity in the world of professional baseball and in life. Of course, we'll also be discussing the top performers of the week and breaking down all the big moments from the Mariners' recent games.  Tune in and find out for yourself why Mariners Monday is the must-listen podcast for any true baseball fan.  And don't forget to subscribe and share it with your mates so you never miss an episode! Grant Balfour will be back Thursday!  Enjoy bogans!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

In this episode, former MLB pitchers Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith break down the Tampa Bay Rays' historic 12-0 start to the season and explore the question on everyone's mind: can they sustain this level of dominance throughout the year?  But that's not all they discuss. They also share some harrowing tales of getting hit by comebackers and introduce listeners to the Aussie word of the day (you won't want to miss this!). Plus, the duo debates whether Aaron Judge has what it takes to get even close to Barry Bonds's career home run totals. I f you're a fan of baseball or want to speak Australian, or just love great conversation, be sure to tune in and hit that subscribe button for more episodes like this. Tell your mates!  Enjoy  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Two former Aussie MLB Players, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Grant Balfour, dive into the Mariner's start to 2023; what do we see plus, some BOLD predictions for Cy Young Award winners?  Baseball's new rules after week one, the Aussie word of the day, and more! Please subscribe and add us to your weekly podcast rotation!  Review and follow!  Enjoy mates!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Former Aussie MLB players Ryan Rowland-Smith and Grant Balfour discuss Spring training physicals, the WBC, mental toughness, and new rules! To support the show, please subscribe, click the notification so you don't miss an episode, and tell your mates! Enjoy. www.thetopstep.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

PASSED BALL SHOW #99 9/24/2013 Part 1 WITH WILLIE MONTANEZ AND ETHAN CHAPMAN; I start out by talking about how teams will continue to overpay for middle relievers/ closers and how Joaquin Benoit and Grant Balfour will benefit. I then speak with former Phillies, Mets, Braves and Giants OF/ 1B Willie Montanez about being a power hitter and how he got under the skin of the teams he played for. I finish off by speaking with Kansas City Royals OF prospect Ethan Chapman about his rise through the farm system and what to expect from him down the road

Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith are back! Happy new year, mates! It's good to be back on the chat! We talk about the Los Angeles Angel's ownership. Carlos Correa's physicals, snake stories, and much more good stuff! Subscribe and tell your mates! www.thetopstep.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Former Aussie MLB Player Ryan Rowland-Smith discusses the Teoscar Hernandez trade, Manager of the Year, and whether or not Mitch Haniger will be back in 2023. Please click the subscribe button, Leave a review as Ryan Rowland-Smith or Grant Balfour a question, and we will discuss it next episode! Enjoy! Previous episodes with your favorite MLB Players and more... www.thetopstep.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

So good to be back! Former Aussie MLB players Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith discuss bench clearing brawls and dive into Grant's All-Star game memories! So many stories so many laughs! So good to be back! We are also launching our all-new in person interviews with the game's best players starting next week. Mariners Taylor Trammell, A's All-Star Paul Blackburn, and last year's Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray sit down with RRS. Please go subscribe wherever you watch or listen to your podcast and don't miss it! Or go to: thetopstep.com to catch former episodes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Week 13 is complete and we embark on our journey toward the 2nd half of the season. Bazata pulled off another trade to bolster his playoff run despite the loss of acquiring McKenzie/Verlander from Nick who decided to join the Seller's Club. Nick got a great piece to build around in Kyle Wright. Perrier continues to hang out to the Grant Balfour division while the Otterpops division remains just as tight. The 6 teams that are contenders are almost guaranteed to make the playoffs but it's going to be challenging to predict who will hold on to the playoff first-round byes. The All-Star Game is headed to Howard's Cafe next Tuesday (7/19) and the league braces itself for another fantastic night of baseball and beers. The Orioles are on fire and so is For the Fame. Enjoy the pod! See you guys next week for Week 14's breakdown.

Former MLB players Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith dive into what it's like when your team is struggling. the plane ride, the clubhouse, the grind! We also give our first quarter reports on the big-money free-agent signings. The good the bad and everything in between! Make sure you subscribe wherever you listen or watch your podcasts! Enjoy mates! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Travis Blackley joins the podcast to talk about his journey to the big leagues. What it was like playing for Team Australia in the WBC. Playing with fellow Aussie, Grant Balfour. Bob Melvin as a manager. Back to the 2012 Oakland A's season. Former teammates, and much more! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/squarestatesandlot/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/squarestatesandlot/support

Travis Blackley joins the podcast to talk about his journey to the big leagues. What it was like playing for Team Australia in the WBC. Playing with fellow Aussie, Grant Balfour. Bob Melvin as a manager. Back to the 2012 Oakland A's season. Former teammates, and much more! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/squarestatesandlot/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/squarestatesandlot/support

On the anniversary of his Perfect Game, Dallas Braden jumps up on the Top Step with fellow former MLB pitchers Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith. We discuss his 'Mothers Day perfecto', as well has his disdain for A-ROD and that time he got the f#*k off his mound. As well as the Oakland A's difficult fan situation, the game today, word of the day and so much more! Make sure you subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Enjoy mates! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

3 x Gold Glove Centerfielder for the Rays joins Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith on the show this week. We discuss his journey from being a 31st-round draft pick out of Junior College to one of the most elite Centerfielders in the game. Why he loves the Rays Organization, and what it's like hitting against this generation of pitching!  Please leave us a review wherever you are listening to this podcast and thanks for subscribing!  Enjoy mates!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert joins us days before his first start on the 2022 season to discuss his journey, what he experienced as a rookie in 2021 plus, who will be the MVP, who win the CY Young? Former MLB Pitchers Ryan Rowland-Smith, Grant Balfour and Ryan 'The Apprentice' Cohen give their end of year predictions!  Make sure you subscribe wherever you listen to your podcast and leave us a review!  Enjoy mates.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Aussie MLB players Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith get stuck right into all the new contracts, all the hype and madness of spring training, Aussie Word of the Day, the All In moments sponsored by All In Energy Drink and more! Please subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts! Enjoy mates!    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith talk the 12 team playoff format we will see in 2022, as well as give their very honest opinion on the smart watches seen all over college pitchers wrists! Will we see these gizmo's in the show soon? We hope not!  Please welcome 'Cohey the Apprentice', Ryan Cohen as he makes his way from behind the scenes to inferno of the mic and makes his TTS Debut!  Aussie word of today and more!  Please subscribe and tell your mates!    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

The Super Bowl is over and spring training is right around the corner. Well, sort of. Former MLB pitchers Ryan Rowland-Smith and Grant Balfour dive into Rob Manfred's announcements of a universal DH, the new draft rules and the lack of progress to get baseball out of this lockout! As well as trade spring training stories, what goes on inside the clubhouse in March and more! Make sure you subscribe wherever you're listening so you don't miss an episode! Leave us your review and go have a listen to the past episodes mate! Special thanks and shout out to our Aussie listeners making us Ranked #1 in Baseball Podcasts!  Enjoy!   --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

The former AL MVP, 4 x All Star and NL Batting Champion, Justin Morneau was easily one of the best first basemen of his generation and even the history of the game. He sits down with Ryan Rowland-Smith and Grant Balfour to discuss his career, his backyard hockey rink, his new career in Broadcasting, the game today and more. Please subscribe to The Top Step wherever you're listening to this episode or visit www.thetopstep.com for all past episodes!  Enjoy mates!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Tyler Matzek was a huge part of the Atlanta Braves World Series Championship last year but his story of how he got there is one of the most epic comeback efforts in the Big Leagues. From a first round draft pick to completely being out of baseball due to the 'yips' to being arrested during the World Series parade it's all happening this week on The Top Step.  Please click subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast, would love for you to leave us a review!  Enjoy this episode as Tyler Matzek joins Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith on The Top Step.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Jesse Chavez has been through it all in a 14 MLB year career including his recent World Series victory with the Atlanta Braves. He joins former Big leaguers Ryan Rowland-Smith and Grant Balfour cover everything from the Braves amazing run in 2021 to where it all started as a 46th rounder. Enjoy the stories, the inspiration and all the laughs! Make sure you subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast!  Enjoy!     --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Former MLB pitchers Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith discuss Grants 6 MLB Post Seasons, the moments and the meltdowns on his way to the World Series. We also hear the story of the most not so epic bummer of a speech of Ryan's career. Also the Aussie 'word of the day', growing up playing baseball in Australia in 'That's Grouse' and more!  Don't forget to subscribe and tell your mates!  Enjoy mates!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Ex MLB pitchers Grant Balfour and Ryan Rowland-Smith dive into what it's like pitching In Playoff runs, September Call ups and big Aussie Icons, no not Crocodile Dundee, literally BIG Aussie icons along the Pacific Highway. We have baseball news, we have epic stories we have a ton of much needed laughs!  Thanks for joining us on The Top Step! Make sure you click subscribe and pass it on to your mates! Enjoy.    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-top-step-with-ryan-rowland-smith--grant-balfour/support

Aussie MLB Pitchers Liam Hendriks, Peter Moylan and Grant Balfour join me for some laughs, epic stories and Aussie trivia. I apologize in advance for the language and if you need to hire a translator to get through this! Enjoy this episode and Liam, Moylo, Balfour join me on The Top Step 

Grant Balfour is an MLB All Star, 10+ years in the big leagues as one of the most dominant closers but more importantly, one of my best mates!He has been through a ton n his career and has meant a ton to me as a friend and a mentor. On this episode we talk about what separates him, we also relive some of those battle with him and and Orlando Cabrera and Victor Martinez when 'Balf Rage' takes center stage.This episode is also available to watch on YouTube SUBSCRIBE HERE  Enjoy!

Rays reliever Grant Balfour joins Neil to discuss what made the 2008 Rays so special, his famous matchup with Orlando Cabrera in the 2008 ALDS, & where his fire on the mound comes from.

Rays reliever Grant Balfour joins Neil to discuss what made the 2008 Rays so special, his famous matchup with Orlando Cabrera in the 2008 ALDS, & where his fire on the mound comes from.

6-12-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this edition by recapping his reasons of why MLB managers have limited to no power and therefore, should have limited to not as much accountability. John then talks about MLB pitching matchups and how they are overrated in this generation as opposed to past ones. John then talks about the Kawai Leonard/ DeMar DeRozan trade and whether it was better that the Toronto Raptors got Leonard than they got rid of DeRozan and sites examples of Tiki Barber, George Foster and Nomar Garciaparra as why sometimes getting rid of a star player can lead a team to prominence. John also sites Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Verlander as examples of stars that were the reason a team made it to a championship setting. John then talks about Chris Blewitt and other examples of players who had ironic names such as Andy Friese and Grant Balfour. Other names have sexual innuendos and yet others are people exercising their rites to legally change their names.

We sail away from SAILING INTO LOVE (2019) and: "I think it's great" ... THEME ... Seattle Pilots ... Dickie Thon (redux) ... Dave Lopes, Grant Balfour ... Swaddled in torpor ... Four Weddings and a Funeral, on paper ... Plot with no wake ... Instant bread podcast ... The Expositional Challenge ... I got nothin' ... Plot mop-up and island love ... Boy falls in water ... Welcome back to Costner Chat ... BREAK ... Still so featureless ... Spot the Angel: Nobody ... Like a table read ... Fiona Vroom: The Dean Acheson of the Hallmark family of brands ... Eat Your Heart Out: Minimalist dining; Kate-upsetting chowder; Hallmark in Maine; suspiciously beige; penne and Aussie wine; Last Ship nostalgia; family-annihilating unkillable Master Chief ... BREAK ... The Hallmark Expanded Universe: Gus Van Houten's Resort Paradise vs. Lucky In Love and Northern Lights of Christmas ... Overdetermined: Nothing, but also Tom quitting over a street conversation ... Crossover: Into the Blue, Striking Distance and Grey's Anatomy ... Only the driest and most odorless sex ... BREAK ... Letters to Santa: Transcontinental best-friendship ... The Build-a-Buré Workshop: Christmas in July, zero research on Australia, Bryan Brown, Midnight Oil, Luke Prokopec, Natalia Imbruglia and AC/DC ... BREAK ... The Hallmark Bechdel Test: No ... Partner Chat: Appropriately medicating ... Rating: 1 (soporifically) ... Leah Renee, underserved ... Leah Renee's earlier music career ... Busytown Mysteries ... Dave's Willow Bay nostalgia ... Garry Garneau, Aaron Rodgers, Colin Jost and Peyton Manning ... What about my snacks??? ... Merry Christmas ... • MUSIC: "Fuck You If You Don't Like Christmas," from Crudbump, by Drew Fairweather • "Insanity," by Leah Renee • "iBF (Imaginary Boyfriend)," by Leah Renee • "Break the Ice," by John Farnham • "Orinoco Flow," by Enya • "Orchestral Sports Theme" by Chris Collingwood of Look Park and Fountains of Wayne, with Rick Murnane

Alex Cobb, Grant Balfour, Stephen Vogt, Doug Waechter of Fox Sports Sun and more join this week's program.

Episode 127 The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is now live! Eno Sarris and Nicholas Minnix discuss Grant Balfour and the Rays’ bullpen, the Orioles’ bullpen, Joe Nathan, Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago, Eddie Butler and Tyler Matzek, Kevin Gausman, the much anticipated call-up of Gregory Polanco, a touch on Kendrys Morales, […]

Inside this edition of "Without a Curse," Alex previews the AL East with Chad Finn of The Boston Globe and Boston.com. Alex and Chad talk about the Blue Jays and Orioles, and which team has a better chance of ascending to the top of the division in 2014. The Rays added Grant Balfour and Heath Bell to their bullpen this offseason, and also elected to not trade soon-to-be free agent David Price. Though the Red Sox and Yankees appear to be favorites in the division this year, the Rays could have a chance to sneak in and capture the divisional crown. Although the Yankees spent roughly $500 million free agency this winter, Chad believes they're not better than the Red Sox. The Yankees may be improved at certain positions, but their overall roster still has a litany of question marks. It was a relatively quiet offseason for the Red Sox, as the club didn't deviate from its long-term plan. Alex and Chad don't have a problem with the Red Sox's uneventful winter, and feel that the team is in a terrific position at the start of the season. Ryan Dempster announced he's stepping away from baseball in 2014, which will clear up $13.25 million of salary on the books. Alex says Dempster should be admired for walking away on his own terms, and for giving the Red Sox even more financial flexibility. That saved money could be used to pursue Stephen Drew, as the Red Sox continued to be tied to the shortstop. Manager John Farrell spoke about Drew's status over the weekend, and said the Red Sox should make a decision about whether or not they want to bring him back as soon as possible. In the "Around the League" segment, Alex calls Derek Jeter's pre-season retirement a selfish move. Jeter is one of the greatest shortstops to ever play the game, but his 162-game long retirement ceremony is going to be nauseating. For some reason, those who cover Jeter have an urge to portray him as a flawless demigod. It's going to one long, unbearable summer. Email Alex at ajreimer0@gmail.com or areimer@streetwise-media.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexReimer1.

  Andrew and Paul have picked up the pieces and moved on from A-Rod’s suspension, instead talking about Masahiro Tanaka joining the Yankees, Grant Balfour going home, Matt Garza and the Brewers’ (lack of a) plan, and recapping the careers of newly-retired Michael Young and Lance Berkman.  As a bonus, Paul rants about Bobby Abreu […]

Kurt and Al cover the past week of Detroit Tigers baseball, including the hiring of new manager Brad Aumus, Max Scherzer trade rumors, the possibility of a payroll crunch, free agency and the made-for-TV waste of time known as MLB awards season.   Topics: Meet Brad Ausmus, managerial flavor of the month!It's far, far to early to make any kind of judgment, good, bad or indifferent, about the hiring if Ausmus.Gene Lamont and Jeff Jones return. Tom Brookens won't.Goodbye Lloyd McClendon.Just because there's rumors the Tigers will trade Max Scherzer doesn't mean it's likely to happen. It's improbable, at best,Is there a payroll crunch?This is Omar Infante's one shot at a huge contract.The few Tigers free agency rumors involve closers, the first of which was about Grant Balfour. Expect the Tigers to be linked to any and every closer on the market.Awards season is here and we don't give a damn.The SB Nation MLB Awards were determined by nerds. Don't blame me, I voted for Cabrera! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Martinez of MLBDepthCharts previews the offseason of the Oakland A's, who started early be acquiring outfielder Chris Young from the Dbacks and will be looking to fill their void at shortstop.