Podcast appearances and mentions of Matt Albers

According to Stathead's data, last night's home run by Mark Vientos off Aroldis Chapman was the 98th time in Mets history that they've gotten a solo shot with two outs in the ninth inning, and the third time this season.It's the second time this season that a rookie has saved the Mets from being shut out this way, as Francisco Álvarez also did it on July 5 in Arizona. The difference there was that the Mets were only down 1-0, so it was a game-tying home run — one of 13 out of these 98 when the Mets were one swing of the bat from getting even, and got even with the one swing of the bat.The Mets went on to win that game on Mark Canha's triple to score Brett Baty later in the ninth, and a 1-2-3 bottom of the frame by David Robertson. They did not win the other game when they got a solo shot with their last gasp, as Eduardo Escobar only got the Mets within 9-8 against Atlanta on May 1, the final score of that one.The most recent walkoff on a two-out solo shot by a Met was nearly five years ago, September 13, 2018, as Todd Frazier ended the first game of a doubleheader moments after Michael Conforto had also homered off Kyle Barraclough for one of those 13 game-tying solo shots.There have been 58 of these homers when the Mets have been behind in a game, including Vientos last night. His dinger followed Escobar into a more exclusive club, the 24th solo home run in Mets history when down to their final out at home.Only three of those have been tying homers: Conforto in 2018, Jerry Buchek off Atlanta's Dick Kelley in 1967, and Gus Bell in the fifth game in Mets history, off Jim Golden of the Houston Colt .45s at the Polo Grounds. Herb Moford gave up a three-run homer to Don Buddin in the 11th inning and the Mets would need to wait another six days to get their first-ever win.Vientos' homer saving the Mets from being blanked at home puts him in a club that only started in 1976, when Ron Hodges went deep off Pittsburgh's Doc Medich, followed like last night by the final out of a 2-1 game. On August 27, 1985, Darryl Strawberry ended Jerry Reuss' bid for a complete game shutout, but Tom Niedenfuer came out of the Dodgers bullpen to strike out George Foster and notch another 2-1 verdict.The disappointment was not as stark, nor as important, the following September 8, when Strawberry denied Bob Sebra a shutout at Shea. Sebra got the complete game win, and did shut out the Mets three weeks later in Montreal, on just two hits — a Gary Carter double in the second, and an infield hit by Lenny Dykstra in the sixth.There was even less drama on October 2, 2001, when Jay Payton denied Bronson Arroyo what would've been his first career shutout. He still got his first complete game and a 10-1 win, but had to wait until 2006 to twirl the first of his six career shutouts.Strawberry and Hodges are the only ones there with Vientos in homering to get the Mets one more chance in a game they trailed 2-0. The last time before last night that the Mets broke up a shutout at home this way, it would've taken a lot more chances: Brandon Nimmo got the best of Danny Barnes on May 16, 2018, and Wilmer Flores followed with a double, but Barnes managed to compose himself and get Conforto to ground out and lock down the Blue Jays' 12-1 triumph.Earlier that year, on April 15, Flores tagged Matt Albers of the Brewers for a two-out solo shot that was a walkoff. He also did it on July 22, 2017, off Oakland's Simon Castro. That ties Flores for the team record for a career, but not a single season, because Cleon Jones turned two 1-1 ties into 2-1 wins, just one week apart, in 1971 — August 21 off San Diego's Dave Roberts and August 28 against the Dodgers and Jim Brewer.Other than Flores, Jones, and Frazier, the Mets' walkoffs on solo shots, one out from extra innings, belong to Rusty Staub on May 9, 1982 off San Francisco's Greg Minton, and Mike Cameron off Danny Patterson to beat the Tigers on June 18, 2004.Cameron walked off Patterson and the Tigers the next night, too, delivering the decisive base hit in the 10th inning. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit willetspen.substack.com/subscribe

Last night, Francisco Álvarez (check out his home run chain) became the first Met to hit a game-tying home run with two outs in the ninth inning of a game since all the way back on May 17, when Francisco Álvarez hit a game-tying home run with two outs in the ninth inning off Jason Adam of the Rays.This is not normal. Before Álvarez in May, the Mets hadn't had a two-out, game-tying homer in the ninth inning of a game since Michael Conforto took Kyle Barraclough deep on September 13, 2018, a blast followed immediately by Todd Frazier's game-winning dinger.Álvarez last night became the first Met to hit a game-tying homer with two outs in the ninth inning on the road since Curtis Granderson off Matt Albers in Washington on July 3, 2017 — a game the Mets then lost in the bottom of the ninth on a Ryan Raburn RBI single.Last time the Mets won a game on the road after one of these special homers? That was September 13, 2015, in Atlanta, when Daniel Murphy hit a three-run shot off Ryan Kelly and the Mets added three in the 10th for a 10-7 shocker.All by himself, Álvarez has done this twice this year. The Mets as a team haven't had a pair of down-to-their-last-regulation-out tying homers since Scott Hairston and Lucas Duda in 2011.That tied the team record for occurrences in one season. The Mets also enjoyed such clutch hitting twice in 1970 (Dave Marshall and Donn Clendenon), 1988 (Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry), 1997 (Todd Hundley and Carl Everett), 2000 (Derek Bell and Bubba Trammell), and 2004 (Mike Piazza and Victor Diaz).Individually, Álvarez is now tied for the team career record with Hundley, Marshall, and Piazza. Marshall was not another catcher, but an outfielder whom the Mets acquired after the 1969 season from the Giants, along with Ray Sadecki, for Jim Gosger and Bob Heise. The Mets traded Marshall, who hit a total of 13 home runs for them in 264 games, to the Padres before the 1973 season for Al Severinsen. The Mets assigned Severinsen to Triple-A, but he never pitched professionally again. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit willetspen.substack.com/subscribe

CONTENT WARNINGS: Discussion of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, and colonization.Ahoy mateys! Let's set sail onto the Caribbean-blue waters of pirates in romance books. In this episode Jen and Jackie discuss what led to the Golden Age of Piracy, where pirates entered the literature, and what the differences between romantic pirates and popular pirates (Jack Sparrow anyone?) look like. Dive on in...the water's fine!Raging Romantics Book List!Email us ragingromantics@nopl.orgVocab:lestai - Greek for "thieves" - early reference to maritime piratespeirato - latin for "pirate"Buccaneer - From French "boucanier" meaning a pirate; a curer of wild meats, a user of a boucan, or a native grill for roasting meatPrivateer - a private merchant/ship owner who carried a letter of marque that gave them permission on behalf of their monarch/country to capture enemy merchant ships, take a profit, and then give the rest of the profit back to the state.Golden Age of Piracy - Appr. 1690-1730 CE and refers especially to European pirates who operated in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean theatersBooks/authors/poets/plays we mention:The Iliad and The OdysseyThe Buccaneers of America by Alexandre Exquemelin (1678)A General History of the Robbers and Murders of the Most Notorious Pyrates by "Captain Johnson" (1724) "Blackbeard or The Captive Princess" (play/musical 1798)"The Corsair" by Lord Byron (1814)Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (1883)Peter Pan by JM Barrie (1904 play, 1911 book)Longarm series by Tabor EvansThe Gift by Julie GarwoodGentle Rogue by Johanna LyndseyThe Flame and The Flower by Kathleen WoodiwissThe Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana GalenThe Other Miss Bridgerton (Rokesby series) by Julia QuinnCorsairs and Corsairs Brothers series by the queen, Ruby DixonFable duology by Adrienne YoungAll The Stars and Teeth duology by Adalyn GraceBridge Kingdom series by Danielle JensenSea of Ruin by Pam GodwinRogue Booty by Golden AngelA Worthy Opponent by Katee RobertHooked by Emily McEntireThe Reef by Nora RobertsSabrina JeffriesSources:"The Chinese Female Pirate Who Commanded 80,000 Outlaws" (Banerji, 2002)"History of Piracy" (abdn.co.uk)Greek inscribed marble fragment descr. CleomisPolycrates"Medieval Pirates" (Vallar)"The Lure of Piracy; Realty vs. Romanticism" (Vallar)"Golden Age of Piracy" (Cartwright, 2021)"8 Reasons Being in a Pirate Romance Novel Would Actually Be Awful" (Passell, 2014)"Ahoy, Romance! Pirates As A Romantic Hero In Fiction" (Harris, 2018)"Pirates: Romance Versus Reality" (Houston Museum of Natural Science2010)"The Radical Romanticism of Piracy" (Waite, 2019)"Why Do We Love Pirates?" (Kennedy, 2015)"The Timeless Allure of Pirates" (bbc.com)"The Sea Dogs - Queen Elizabeth's Privateers" (Cartwright, 2020)"A Brief History of the Age of Exploration" (Briney, 2020)"Letters of Marque" (Royal Museums Greenwich)"History of the Spanish Doubloon""A Glimpse of Genre: The Gothic Romance" (2017)"Fantasy or Reality: Analyzing Pirates in Peter Pan" (Krebs, Levine, 2011)"Why J. M. Barrie Created Peter Pan" (Lane, 2004)TV shows/movies mentioned:Black SailsOur Flag Means DeathPirates of the CaribbeanFireflyInto The BlueRecommended reads/podcasts!:Under the Black Flag by David CordinglyBlack Flags, Blue Waters by Eric Jay DolinEmpire of Blue Water by Stephan TaltyCinnamon & Gunpowder by Eli BrownThe Pirate History Podcast by Matt Albers

Host Connor Newcomb is joined by David Gasper, the Brewers site expert at Reviewing the Brew, to talk about the players who have been with the Orioles and Brewers recently. David tells us why the Orioles won the Jonathan Schoop trade and why Brewers fans hated Schoop. Plus, he tells us how Zach Davies, Matt Albers, and Wade Miley have had success in Milwaukee after struggling in Baltimore.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PostmatesDownload the Postmates app and use code LOCKEDON. For a limited time, Postmates is giving our listeners ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS of free restaurant delivery credit for your first SEVEN days.Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you'll get $10 off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Connor Newcomb is joined by David Gasper, the Brewers site expert at Reviewing the Brew, to talk about the players who have been with the Orioles and Brewers recently. David tells us why the Orioles won the Jonathan Schoop trade and why Brewers fans hated Schoop. Plus, he tells us how Zach Davies, Matt Albers, and Wade Miley have had success in Milwaukee after struggling in Baltimore. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Postmates Download the Postmates app and use code LOCKEDON. For a limited time, Postmates is giving our listeners ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS of free restaurant delivery credit for your first SEVEN days. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get $10 off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In what can only be termed a rollicking Hit Pen podcast, Janice Scurio and Colleen Sullivan join Brett Ballantini in the Luis Robert extension aftermath to discuss La Pantera, the innovative "just writing some crap down" research technique, manifesting Yasiel Puig to the South Side with vision boarding and Puigpaganda, a Matt Albers comeback, and more. Follow Janice on Twitter @BallerLibrarian, Colleen @ColleenSullivan, Brett @BrettBallantini and South Side Hit Pen @SouthSideHitPen.

On this episode Tyler and Trevor recap the Brewers and Cubs series as the Brewers took 3 out of 4 and moved to within 2 games of the wild card.  They discuss if the post season started today would Matt Albers be on the play off roster?  What other guys are contributing to these Brewer wins?  We also dive deep into if it is still realistic or not for the Brewers to win the NL Central.  A look into the Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs remaining schedules  gives us hope! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Tyler and Trevor break down the series vs the Rangers. Topics covered include: Josh Hader and the home run issue, Matt Albers is suddenly a high leverage reliever again, how the Brewers should use Trent Grisham, why MLB wild card games are stressful, and a brief preview of the Twins series. **Correction at 20:00 min mark Tyler meant to say runners on 1st and 2nd NOT runners on 2nd and 3rd. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the big roster move of the week that brought Keston Hiura and Tyler Saladino back to the big-league team, sent Travis Shaw to Triple-A and sent Hernan Perez packing. What does it mean when a popular clubhouse presence is cut from the roster? Could Hiura have been back sooner if the team wasn't going to give steady at-bats to Shaw? Will the team look to sign Mike Moustakas to a longer-term deal with their third baseman struggling? Also, Tom and JR talk about Jimmy Nelson's return to the injured list, the revival of Matt Albers, Adrian Houser in the rotation and the four all-star choices ... or five? ... for the 2019 all-star game.JR also plays part of his conversation with Steve Garczynski and Ryan Topp of Milwaukee's Tailgate Baseball Podcast, looking specifically at the roster move and its implications, particularly for Orlando Arcia.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

 The Brewers salvaged the Giants series and emerged from the weekend still in first place, but it was an up-and-down week. Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss what the Brewers might have planned next for Freddy Peralta and Jimmy Nelson, particularly with Jhoulys Chacin set to return from the injured list. With Keston Hiura knocking on the door in the minors, has anything changed with Travis Shaw? Would the team consider moving an ailing Lorenzo Cain out of the leadoff spot? On the flip side, Christian Yelich has put Prince Fielder's club record of 50 home runs in a season at risk. Reliever Adrian Houser has been a revelation, and the Brewers appear headed toward four all-stars ... or more? Then, JR chats with relief pitcher Matt Albers about his memorable 2016 at-bat with the Chicago White Sox, his ups and downs with the Brewers, the impact Hurricane Harvey had on his family in Houston and the expression "big ole bucket of sassy."Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

Episode 155 features reliever Matt Albers and a chat about the 2019 MLB Draft with scouting director Tod Johnson.

Episode 155 features reliever Matt Albers and a chat about the 2019 MLB Draft with scouting director Tod Johnson.

The Brewers had a solid week and enter in first place after a Sunday that saw some roster moves, but the most interesting moves are the ones still to come. Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak discusses the upcoming return of Jimmy Nelson on Wednesday, the looming return of Travis Shaw, and -- should we assume? -- the demotion of a hot-hitting Keston Hiura as a result. Plus, Orlando Arcia is having a great year, the bullpen is getting contributions from guys like Matt Albers and Adrian Houser, and the MLB Draft is about to get going -- and Todd chats about an intriguing 2018 selection, Drew Rasmussen. Then, host JR Radcliffe chats with Brewers starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez about his return to the Brewers, the milestones of his career and working with former Brewers pitching coach Mike Maddux.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

J.P. returns to talk about light week of games for the Milwaukee Brewers. Steve, Ryan and J.P. discuss how long Alex Claudio and Matt Albers will remain useful pieces in the bullpen, if Keston Hiura is meeting expectations, and what to do about the power outage at first base. Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/MKETailgate Use the promo code: MKETailgate and receive 20% off in the Karben4 webstore. Music: Fair Weather Fans by The Baseball Project, Recorded live at WFMU --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mketailgate/message

Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss which players who should be back in 2019, and which players will be moving on. Among those discussed: Mike Moustakas, Jonathan Schoop, Erik Kratz, Chase Anderson, Xavier Cedeno, Dan Jennings, Matt Albers, Stephen Vogt and Eric Thames. Also, what are Craig Counsell's chances for Manager of the Year? Todd had a vote! Speaking of Craig Counsell, JR is joined by former Brewers third base coach Rich Donnelly, who is the subject of a book released in early October, "The Chicken Runs at Midnight." The story relates to the 1997 World Series, when Craig Counsell scored the winning run for the Florida Marlins. The moment fulfilled a prophecy of sorts, bringing to life a phrase coined by Donnelly's late daughter, Amy.  Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak joins podcast host JR Radcliffe to discuss the acquisition of Jonathan Schoop -- and the struggles he's endured since arriving. Mike Moustakas, meanwhile, has quickly become a fan favorite, while Matt Albers has become a puzzle. And who is the more realistic MVP candidate: Lorenzo Cain or Christian Yelich? Rosiak does have a vote for MVP, after all. And what's the best walk-off of the season so far? Then, JR is joined by Brewers team translator Carlos Brizuela to talk about his path to the Majors and the role he plays with the team. Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

The July 31st trade deadline is in the books. Even though some trades can be made, we now have a pretty good idea of what the Brewers will look like for the final 2 months of the season. What should we expect of them? What will playing time look like with the glut of infielders? What role will the newest member of the Brewers, Jordan Lyles, play? Host Matt Pauley hits on those topics and more and will also get the input of BrewerFan.net's Jim Goulart.We are now more than halfway through the season for the short-season clubs. Matt will be joined by Helena Brewers broadcaster Greg Mroz to learn more about some of the prospects playing in the Pioneer League.

Following an eventful All-Star break, the Brewers returned to play with a 3-game series against the Dodgers and lost two of three. Things continue to go poorly for the club and the big question remains whether this is just a slump or more than that. Host Matt Pauley will do his best to answer that question and will be joined by Kyle Lobner of the Shepherd Express and TimberRattlers.com. Speaking of the Timber Rattlers, their radio broadcaster, Chris Mehring, will join the program to give an update on the players playing for the Brewers' Midwest League affiliate.

Lane Grindle chats with Matt Albers, Eric Thames and Brewers Farm Director Tom Flanagan.

Lane Grindle chats with Matt Albers, Eric Thames and Brewers farm director Tom Flanagan.

Veteran reliever Matt Albers is new to the Brewers and he stops by the dugout to chat with Jeff about being on a new team, in a new city and more!

As the Hot Stove draws to a close, Pottymouth has a favorite new TV show and Patti has thoughts on the Cleveland Indians decision to (semi-) retire their racist logo, "Chief Wahoo". The Milwaukee Brewers are looking even stronger after picking up Lorenzo Cain, Christian Yelich, and Matt Albers, while Mookie Betts wins in arbitration with the Red Sox and MLB tries a little positive reinforcement to shorten game times. All that and Boyfriends from the Minnesota Twins and the Colorado Rockies.

Ben Lindbergh and Jeff Sullivan banter about Mike Trout’s trampoline encounter, a Matt Albers update, Ryan Braun’s rumored move to second base, the belated demise of Chief Wahoo, and Ben’s article about the 1995 Homestead spring training camp for free agents. Then they talk to Hardball Times author Stephanie Springer about cupping, magnetic chairs, cryotherapy, […]

LEADING OFF (4:30) - It’s all about the Clinch in the opening segment this week. The Nats won their fourth NL East title in the past six years, and John and Dan break down their perspectives of the Sunday celebration. IN THE CLUBHOUSE (29:15) - Even though winning division titles might seem like old hat to some Nats fans, there are players in the clubhouse that are experiencing it for the first time. Dan catches up with Matt Albers, Brandon Kintzler & Adam Lind to talk about their first taste of a clinch/first postseason appearance. IS THIS OK? & FANTASY BASEBALL JOB DRAFT REVISIT (40:50) - The fans have weighed in on our tooth brushing and flossing debate from last episode and the results remain mixed. Fans also suggest some other baseball jobs they find draft-worthy. RANT OF THE DAY (48:55) - Dan hops on his soapbox once again and etiquette around elevators is the topic at hand. Rider beware if you arrive at an elevator Dan is already waiting for. ON DECK (53:55) - John tees Dan up on five storylines to watch over the last three weeks of the regular season. Bryce Harper, personal achievements and playoff roster spots are all discussed.

Pirates are popular these days: they adorn our favorite brands of bargain-basement rum and populate beloved Disneyland rides and multibillion-dollar film franchises. But who were these men and women who actually inhabited the Caribbean of the 1700s and made a living preying off trade vessels? How much of the myth of piracy is based on fact? And how much high seas adventure, myth and magic, voodoo, and treachery were there? Joining us to discuss these topics is Matt Albers, host of the Pirate History Podcast. We will talk about the golden age of piracy and the real men and women that threatened the trade and stability of the Old World empires, the forces that led them to piracy and the myths and stories they inspired. Famous names that come up include Captain Henry Morgan, Henry Avery, Charles Vane, Mary Reed, Anne Bonny, Black Bart Roberts, Ned Low, and Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach. They rub elbows with Queens, Kings, Popes, rebellious monks, Caribbean Natives, African Slaves and notorious governors like Woodes Rogers. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Pirate History Podcast Matt on Twitter (@blackflagcast) TO HELP OUT THE SHOW Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher

Howie Kendrick homered, drove in two and scored twice, while Nationals' pitchers, headed by Matt Grace, allowed one run on four hits. Manager Dusty Baker on the win and Max Scherzer's injury and Matt Albers on the bullpen's performance.

Ben Lindbergh and Jeff Sullivan banter about Jeff’s altitude sickness, Matt Albers and Ryan Raburn, an odd-field update, the Rich Hill resurgence, the MLB Battlegrounds event in Hyde Park, Logan Morrison’s comments about Gary Sánchez, Jonathan Lucroy’s comments about framing, and more on the Reds’ pitching staff. Then they take a detour to talk to […]

Fantasy expert Fred Zinkie and MLB.com's Matthew Leach begin the show by taking a closer look at Rays speedster Mallex Smith and how he compares to Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain. (:27) They also break down what to do with outfielders Jose Pirela, Jacoby Ellsbury and Aaron Hicks. (3:50) Gary Sanchez has returned to last year's form and now should be the No. 1 catcher in fantasy baseball over Buster Posey. (10:18) Lewis Brinson is an intriguing prospect that could add value if he receives regular playing time. (16:19) Rougned Odor and Kyle Seager are established players that are starting to come around and play well. (18:17) Mitch Haniger is a player that keeps collecting hits and should be picked up if he is available. (21:38) Next, Leach and Zinkie run down a long list of starting pitchers consisting of Buck Farmer (22:45), Sean Newcomb 24:24), Joe and Tyson Ross (26:31), Masahiro Tanaka (30:53) and the Rockies' starting staff (33:06). Need a closer? The crew takes a look at the numbers from Corey Knebel (37:07), Matt Albers (40:17), Felipe Rivero (42:15) and the Phillies bullpen. (43:35)

George Bissell and Mike Gianella are joined by Stacey Gotsulias to discuss the meteoric rise of Aaron Judge (5:00), whether he can sustain this level of elite production and his long-term outlook (10:00), the impact of a healthy Gary Sanchez (15:00), the sudden emergence of Aaron Hicks (18:00), renaissance campaigns from veterans Brett Gardner and Matt Holliday (21:30), the underrated contributions of Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius (24:30), early impressions of Jordan Montgomery and Masahiro Tanaka (27:00), and finally take a look at the latest batch of expert FAAB acquisitions including Mallex Smith, Lewis Brinson, Matt Albers, Sean Newcomb and Seth Lugo (32:00).

Nationals manager Dusty Baker talks about the loss and Matt Albers discusses giving up a go-ahead homer in the 9th inning.

Ben Lindbergh and Jeff Sullivan banter about Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Jason Vargas, and the evolution of Matt Albers’ save celebration, then talk to writer Sky Kalkman about his new bullpen stat, Win Probability Added Over Replacement, the problems with Win Probability Added as a tool for reliever evaluation, and the “right” way to evaluate […]

Ben Lindbergh and Jeff Sullivan talk to 18-year-old Effectively Wild listener/pitcher Connor Watrous about his heroic accomplishment of keeping score at an 18-inning Cubs-Yankees game, banter about a besieged closer and a Matt Albers milestone, and discuss the implications of a new development in the high-home-run-rate mystery. Audio intro: Alice Cooper, "I’m Eighteen" Audio interstitial: Sloan, "A […]

The Washington Nationals took a 5-2 lead into the eighth this afternoon in Citizens Bank Park, but Matt Albers left a slider up that ended up sailing out to center for a game-tying three-run home run, and the Philadelphia Phillies won it in extras on a bases-loaded, walk-off sac fly by Freddy Galvis. With the win, the Phillies avoided getting swept in the three-game weekend set and the Nationals headed off to Baltimore 21-10 on the season. The first of two with the Orioles starts at 7:05 PM tomorrow night.

Ben Lindbergh and Jeff Sullivan banter about Jeff’s preseason predictions, voiding contracts, and Matt Albers’ most recent close calls with his first career save, then discuss the contact-rate improvements of Aaron Judge and Joey Gallo, with an emphasis on Judge’s performance so far and potential for superstardom. Audio intro: Tom Verlaine, "Cry Mercy, Judge" Audio outro: Robyn […]

Nationals manager Dusty Baker and Matt Albers talk about their 4-2 win over Phillies

Ben Lindbergh and Jeff Sullivan banter about Boog Powell’s debut, Ryan Webb’s and Matt Albers’ ongoing pursuit of history, and the ethics of baseball injuries, then discuss some early-season evidence that the save stat’s grasp on manager’s minds is starting to slip. Audio intro: Sharon Van Etten, "Save Yourself" Audio outro: Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, "Save […]

Ben Lindbergh and Jeff Sullivan banter about Adam Lind, Matt Albers, bunting to beat the shift, Mike Fiers, and Brandon Guyer, then preview the Cleveland Indians’ 2017 season with writer/editor Pete Beatty and the Chicago White Sox’ 2017 season with Cat Garcia of Baseball Prospectus. Audio intro: Lily & Madeleine, "Midwest Kid" Audio interstitial: Destroyer, "Goddess of […]

Ben and Sam banter about Matt Albers’ heartbreaking blown save, then discuss how much talent the Angels could acquire in a franchise-saving firesale.

Ben and Sam banter about Sam’s move, the Waxahachie Swap, and Ryan Webb and Matt Albers, then discuss how much several contenders should be willing to trade to improve their playoff odds.

Ben and Sam banter about Matt Albers’ double and a Stompers success, then discuss the privacy/performance implications of new tracking technology employed by big league teams.

Patrick and James digest the 16-inning win, Patrick's history with Matt Albers, confirmation bias of the Astros and Jeff Luhnow, among other topics

Ben and Sam banter about Matt Albers, Mike Trout, and front-office hiring trends, then discuss whether the Astros have answered the doubts about their rebuild.

Avisail Garcia's fitting nicely into the White Sox lineup. MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince and White Sox reporter Scott Merkin spotlight Garcia's maturity, take a closer look at Mat Latos' season debut and why re-signing Matt Albers was an underrated move.

Ben and Sam banter about Matt Albers and baseball cards, then talk to Adam Sobsey about Matt Moore and the dependability of top pitching prospects.

Ben and Sam discuss the Washington Nationals’ seemingly lost season, followed by special appearances from podcast legends Ryan Webb and Matt Albers.

The Red Sox took 3 of 4 from the Royals over the weekend without David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, and Jacoby Ellsbury in the lineup. Are these injuries causes for concern, or is it all about biting time until the postseason begins? Speaking of which, does it really matter whether the Red Sox play the Tigers or Rangers in the first round? Is it time for Matt Albers to relinquish his role in the bullpen? Plus, is it now a no-brainer to resign Jonathan Papelbon with the way he's pitched this year? What does Tim Wakefield have to do to get win number 200? In the "Around the League" segment, Alex talks about the AL East standings and if the Yankees have found a 2nd starter yet. Jim Hendry's dismissal from the Cubs and HGH testing are discussed too. Also, Alex has changed his stance on adding a 2nd wild card. Count him in! Post on the message boards and contribute to the show at www.thesportsstuff.com/boards! Follow Alex on twitter @AlexReimer1.