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The Royals have quietly increased payroll again this offseason. Have they gone as far as they can go?David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the Royals payroll and more… - Are the Royals at their Payroll limit?- Do they need to trade payroll?- Will Kris Bubic be moved?- Was not signing Hunter Harvey a mistake?- Have the Royals added enough OBP?- Does their bullpen have enough K's?⁃ Where are the position battles looming?
===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 19th Publish Date: December 19th Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Friday, December 19th and Happy Birthday to Al Kaline I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Now here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre BREAK: THE STRAND STORY 1: South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future Three mayors, three cities, and a lot to reflect on. Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons, Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, and Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman gathered at the Riverside EpiCenter to talk about 2025 wins and what’s next for 2026 during the State of South Cobb event. Clemons? He’s proud of Austell’s bold move to raise the millage rate for the first time in decades. “It’s about reinvesting in our community,” he said, pointing to plans for downtown revitalization and hiring a city manager—finally. Owens celebrated Mableton’s new departments and leadership team, calling 2025 a year of “building the foundation.” Next year? It’s all about community engagement and growth. Thurman highlighted Powder Springs’ shiny new city hall and parking garage, plus job-creating developments. His focus for 2026? Sustainable growth and leaving a legacy of leadership. STORY 2: Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 Jaha Howard pulled off a narrow win Tuesday night, defeating fellow Democrat Roger Bruce in the runoff for state Senate District 35. Unofficial results show Howard, a dentist and former Cobb school board member, edging out Bruce with 51.9% of the vote to Bruce’s 48.1%. The seat, which covers parts of Cobb and Fulton counties, was left open when Jason Esteves stepped down to run for governor. Howard credited his win to personal outreach—hundreds of phone calls, he said, to build trust. “People want to feel heard,” he said. Bruce’s campaign struggled with name recognition, especially in Cobb. STORY 3: Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols Glover Park got a dose of holiday magic Tuesday, thanks to Cobb County’s newest choir, “Cobb County Sonic Sound” (or, as they like to call themselves, “CoCo SoSo”). Led by Dr. Jatunn Gibson, head of the county’s Public Services Agency, the group—decked out in festive sweaters and holiday flair—belted out classics like “Joy to the World” and “White Christmas.” Oh, and they’ve got their own band too, all county employees. Between songs, they performed skits about elves saving Christmas. “It’s all about fun and camaraderie,” said Grace Williams, a choir member. “We’re connecting beyond work—and it’s a blast.” We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 4: Jason Gaines named Mableton Citizen of the Year Jason Gaines didn’t see it coming. This week, he was named the 2025 Mableton Citizen of the Year at the South Cobb Area Council meeting, and the surprise left him, well, a little speechless. “It just warms my heart,” Gaines said. “To know the work I’ve done is appreciated like this—it’s humbling.” Gaines, who’s the director of planning at Croy Engineering and chairs the Mableton Development Authority Board, was honored by Mayor Michael Owens. “Jason’s been a force,” Owens said. “His expertise and passion have shaped this community at such a critical time.” The guy’s résumé? Stacked. Leadership programs, board memberships—he’s everywhere. STORY 5: Anderson steps down as Walker football coach TJ Anderson pulled off something close to miraculous in 2025. With just 23 players—yes, 23—he guided Walker through a grueling 10-game season. The Wolverines finished 2-8, but they still earned a spot in the Class A-AAA Private state playoffs. Unfortunately, injuries piled up, and the team had to decline the bid. “We had to make the best decision for our kids,” Anderson said, reflecting on the tough call. But that season? It was his last. Anderson announced on X that he’s stepping down as Walker’s head coach after three years. “It’s been a journey,” he wrote, thanking the community and his family. BRAVES: Ha-Seong Kim is staying put in Atlanta—at least for another year. The 30-year-old shortstop signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves on Monday, locking him in as the team’s starter for 2026. Not bad, considering he turned down a $16 million option just last month and walked away with an extra $4 million. Kim joined the Braves late last season, claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Sept. 1. He made an immediate impact, hitting .309 with a .372 OBP, three homers, and 12 RBIs in his first 19 games. Sure, he cooled off at the end—1-for-19 in the last five games—but the Braves clearly see his potential. Kim’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. Injuries sidelined him for much of 2025 with the Rays, where he hit just .214 in 24 games. But let’s not forget—this guy won a Gold Glove with the Padres in 2023 and has 84 career stolen bases. The Braves are betting on a bounce-back. And if Kim can channel his San Diego form, he could be a 3-4 WAR player. High hopes, but hey, the talent’s there. I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 8 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 19th Publish Date: December 19th Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast Today is Friday, December 19th and Happy Birthday to Al Kaline I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Sawnee EMC announces a balanced rate approach for 2026 Northside Hospital Cherokee named one of the best in U.S. for maternity care School board honors retiring Chief of Staff Mike McGowan Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre We’ll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you’re looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre Commercial: THE STRAND STORY 1: Sawnee EMC announces a balanced rate approach for 2026 Sawnee EMC has some good news for its members heading into 2026—most will see their monthly bills drop slightly in January compared to December. It’s not a huge change, but hey, every little bit helps, right? Here’s the deal: the Board of Directors voted to lower the Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) by $4.72 per month for accounts using 1,500 kWh. At the same time, they approved small increases to base charges—about $2 to $3 per month. The net result? A $2 monthly savings for most members using 1,500 kWh. For those using less energy, the savings will be smaller, but still there. Sawnee says it’s committed to keeping rates affordable and only making changes when absolutely necessary. Serving over 203,000 accounts across seven counties in north Georgia, they also offer energy-saving tips, rebates, and incentives to help members cut costs. Questions? Call 770-887-2363 or visit www.sawnee.coop. STORY 2: Northside Hospital Cherokee named one of the best in U.S. for maternity care Northside Hospital Cherokee just snagged a big honor—it’s been named one of the nation’s top hospitals for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report. The “High Performing” rating puts it in the top 10% for uncomplicated pregnancies, making it one of only seven hospitals in Georgia to earn the distinction. Last year, nearly 3,000 babies were born at the Canton hospital, which also holds a Level III maternal care verification. Christina Roberts, director of women’s services, called the recognition a testament to their “high-quality, compassionate care.” Oh, and it’s not just maternity—Northside Cherokee also excels in 15 other areas, from cancer surgeries to heart failure care. STORY 3: School board honors retiring Chief of Staff Mike McGowan After nearly 30 years with the Cherokee County School District, Mike McGowan is hanging up his hat—and the farewell was as heartfelt as you’d expect for someone who’s been a cornerstone of the district. At his final school board meeting last week, McGowan, CCSD’s first-ever chief of staff, was showered with gratitude, stories, and a few tears. Here is Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis and several school board members thanking McGowan for his service to CCSD. VO CLIPS From “hall monitor” to “everybody’s best friend,” McGowan’s legacy is clear: he made things better—for students, staff, and the entire community. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: Ingles Markets 8 STORY 4: Names approved for new Cherokee High School athletic facilities Tommy Baker Field isn’t going anywhere—at least in name. Cherokee County’s school board made it official on Dec. 11: the new Cherokee High School’s football field will still be called Tommy Baker Field, while the stadium itself gets a fresh name, Warrior Stadium. For Cherokee’s athletic director Jeremy Adams, keeping the name alive wasn’t up for debate. The original Tommy Baker Field, home to the Warriors for 70 seasons, was named in 1958 after Tommy Baker, a student who passed away tragically in 1957. His legacy? Still strong. BRAVES: Ha-Seong Kim is staying put in Atlanta—at least for another year. The 30-year-old shortstop signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves on Monday, locking him in as the team’s starter for 2026. Not bad, considering he turned down a $16 million option just last month and walked away with an extra $4 million. Kim joined the Braves late last season, claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Sept. 1. He made an immediate impact, hitting .309 with a .372 OBP, three homers, and 12 RBIs in his first 19 games. Sure, he cooled off at the end—1-for-19 in the last five games—but the Braves clearly see his potential. Kim’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. Injuries sidelined him for much of 2025 with the Rays, where he hit just .214 in 24 games. But let’s not forget—this guy won a Gold Glove with the Padres in 2023 and has 84 career stolen bases. The Braves are betting on a bounce-back. And if Kim can channel his San Diego form, he could be a 3-4 WAR player. High hopes, but hey, the talent’s there. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. STORY 5: Tanner Place in Canton will soon welcome its first residents Come January 1, the first families will finally move into Tanner Place, a long-awaited affordable housing community in Canton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday wasn’t just about opening doors—it was about honoring a legacy. Pat Tanner, the neighborhood’s namesake and a former Canton City Council member, stood alongside her 98-year-old mother, Ozella Tanner, as she cut the ribbon. “This is humbling,” Tanner said, her voice full of emotion. “We knew this city needed safe, decent housing, and today, we’ve made that happen.” Tanner Place replaces 39 old units with 70 new ones, funded through state tax credits, HUD vouchers, and local contributions. Mayor Bill Grant called it “money well spent,” noting it’s the first new public housing in Canton in over 50 years. CHA Director Jacquelyn Loberg said 18 units are ready now, with more to follow in January. This project is just the beginning—next up, the redevelopment of Oakside Drive. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: VILLA RICA WONDERLAND TRAIN SIGN OFF – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the hot stove seemingly too cool at the moment, hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White bring some holiday heat with our latest installment in the dynasty positional ranking series. This week we breakdown a loaded outfield group with some of the top talents in the game. We talk you through the top 25 and some names to targets as sleepers.(2:30) Why Juan Soto over Corbin Carroll?(5:00) Why Julio Rodriguez over Aaron Judge?(7:30) Do you discount Jackson Chourio in OBP leagues?(10:30) Laying out Tatis, Acuna and Kyle Tucker(13:30) Who makes the biggest jump in 2026 between Wyatt Langford, James Wood and Roman Anthony?(17:00) Weighing risks with Yordan Alvarez, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jackson Merrill(22:00) Ranking the power hitters(26:00) Aggressive ranking of Edward FlorentinoCashAppDownload Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/hap8idx8 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
BT & Sal make a forceful argument that Gold Glove-winning infielder Nico Hoerner is the perfect "scrappy" trade target to fix the Yankees' contact-starved lineup. The guys highlight Hoerner's elite profile: a .297 average, a .345 OBP, nearly 30 stolen bases, and a staggeringly low 7.6% strikeout rate last year. They compare him to a high-risk/high-reward player like Jazz Chisholm, arguing Hoerner provides the consistency and defense the Yankees desperately need. The conversation then pivots to the Mets' hot stove, with a listener proposing a radical overhaul that includes trading Pete Alonso, securing top pitching prospect Jackson Jobe in a trade for Elias Díaz (who just signed with the Dodgers), and acquiring Cody Bellinger and Japanese Gold Glove first baseman Shugo Maki. Sal agrees with the defensive shift but insists the Mets would need to land Tarik Skubal or an equivalent top-tier starter to make the complete teardown worthwhile.
BT and Sal react to the seismic breaking news that Pete Alonso has officially left the New York Mets, signing a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Hof's fiery reaction sums up the fan base's outrage, calling the decision by President of Baseball Operations David Stearns "inexcusable." The hosts debate whether this move is a necessary "ripping of the band-aid" for a flawed team or a colossal mistake, especially after the recent departure of Edwin Diaz and the trade of Brandon Nimmo. Tierney points to Stearns's focus on defense and high-OBP players like Marcus Semien as the new direction, arguing the Mets can be a better team even with fewer home runs. The key question now becomes: Did Alonso's anger over his treatment by the organization lead him to leave without giving the Mets a final chance to match the offer?
Kirk Buchner (NotInHallOfFame.com) and Robert Dobek dive into the dark shadow the MLB's PED Era cast over some of the game's cleanest and best players. They analyze the careers of superstars who were not implicated in the Mitchell Report or any other scandal, arguing their Hall of Fame cases were wrongfully overshadowed by the inflated numbers of their juiced-up peers.From a fiery Yankees legend to a small-market OBP machine, you'll never look at the late 90s/early 2000s the same way!In this episode, we discuss:-How players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens created an unfair standard for greatness.-The surprising Hall of Fame-level statistics of players who never got the credit they deserved.-The argument that a player's OPS+ should outweigh their career hit totals.00:02:22 Why Paul O'Neill's Hall of Fame Case Was Lost in the Steroid Era00:04:14 Comparing O'Neill's WAR to Hall of Famers Kirby Puckett and Ryne Sandberg00:08:42 Brian Giles: A Career OPS+ Better Than Duke Snider and Andre Dawson00:11:45 How the Sosa/McGwire Chase Overshadowed Giles' MVP-Caliber Peak00:14:48 The Case for Shawn Green: One of the Era's Most Productive Right Fielders00:20:45 The Small-Market OBP King: Tim Salmon's Statistics vs. Tony Gwynn and Rod Carew00:26:00 Bernie Williams: Is the Yankees Center Fielder a Hall of Very Good Player?00:28:44 Todd Helton and the "Coors Field Effect" Bias00:31:30 Paul O'Neill's Impact: The Trade that Sparked the Yankees Dynasty00:34:26 Final Thoughts: Why We Need to Revisit the Overshadowed Stars
Graham Doty and Chris Lee have a great conversation with Kentucky baseball coach Nick Mingione after the completion of fall practice in 2025. Topics include: Mingione believes 2025 was the best coaching job the staff has done since it's been at Kentucky. The Wildcats fought through a shortage of bullpen arms that cost Kentucky a bunch of games late in the season. But the Wildcats fought through adversity, pieced together an offense with some new faces contributing late in the year and then had a nice run to finish second at the Clemson Regional. Kentucky's pitching staff, minus Belmont transfer Will Pryor (who'll miss 2026 with an injury) threw 575 2/3 innings and stands to be one of the most experienced in the conference. The Wildcats return one of the league's best starting arms in Ben Cleaver and have some other durable, rotation-ready options in Nate Harris and Western Kentucky transfer Jack Bennett. Shortstop Tyler Bell could be one of the country's top players this season. Hear how Mingione lauds Bell's work ethic and leadership. The Wildcats brought in a banner transfer class that includes outfielder Scott Campbell Jr. (11 HR, 21 SB at South Carolina Upstate), outfielder Jayce Tharnish (7 HR, 32 SB) and catcher Alex Duffy (.463 OBP, 17% walk rate). Mingione speaks about the role of his Christian faith in coaching and leading a program as well as in fatherhood. GAMETIME SIDEKICKS Use promo code SE16 for 20% off! http://www.gametimesidekicks.com/ YEARLY CO Use promo code SE16KIT for a free sizing kit! https://yearlyco.com/ ROKFORM Use promo code SEC25 for 25% off! The world's strongest magnetic phone case! https://www.rokform.com/ JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP Join the "It Just Means More" tier for bonus videos and live streams! Join Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv1w_TRbiB0yHCEb7r2IrBg/join FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: https://twitter.com/16Southeastern ADVERTISE WITH SOUTHEASTERN 16 Reach out to caroline.bellcow@gmail.com to find out how your product or service can be seen by over 200,000 unique viewers each month! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this week's new material, we compare a team signing a low-OBP player to the girl you were crushing on choosing the only suitor you would have had her avoid (not that it was up to you, but also not that the universe isn't cruel that way), all of which may turn out to be a tortured political metaphor. Then we return to 2016 for the Dodgers at third base, the tragic and not-at-all funny tale of Giants pitcher Bugs Raymond, and a lot of talk about Yoenis Cespedes falling off a horse. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?
World Series Recap: The Jays outscored the Dodgers overall, but clutch plays sealed the outcome. Shoutouts to standout performances by Ernie Clement, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, Addison Barger, and Trey Yesavage.Will Smith & Addison Barger – need we say more MVPDodgers Depth & Dollars: From Miguel Rojas' heroics to the $500M payroll, the hosts debate whether baseball needs a salary cap and floor to level the field.CBA & Player Pay: Comparing MLB's system with the NHL, NBA, and WNBA—Mark and Mat discuss open books, player-owner revenue splits, and how Scott Boras clients may influence negotiations.Leadership & Labor: MLB and the Players Association need to “grow up” before the next CBA fight.Blue Jays' Core: The future of Bo Bichette, Vladdy Jr., and the culture shift led by George Springer.Aging Dodgers & Ohtani's Durability: Can Shohei keep excelling both on the mound and at the plate as he ages?Call to the Post - Tampa Bay Rays Roster Overhaul: Rays DFA and move on from nearly half their 40-man roster — Mat calls it both “encouraging and frustrating.” #RaysUp 2026Familiar Faces Return: Jake Fraley and Tristan Gray are back despite prior injuries and struggles.Farewell to Fairbanks: Rays part ways with Pete Fairbanks — was it a respectful release or a missed trade opportunity?Pitching Shifts: Ian Seymour's drop shocks fans; Forrest Whitley and Yoniel Curet could step up.Outfield Overload: Ten outfielders on the 40-man roster — what's the plan?Shane McClanahan Future: Could injuries push him into a closer role?Welcome Back, Ozzie Timmons: The beloved coach returns; Mat breaks down his quiet success improving OBP in Milwaukee with the Brewers.Taylor Walls Extended: What it means for Carson Williams' timeline and the shortstop spot. Hopefully we will see improvement with his bat at the plate for Taylor2026 Roster: Adding of 2 ex-Reds“J-Fetish” Alert: Mat jokes that Eric Neander's obsession with players whose names start with “J” is getting out of hand. Intervention may be neededLooking Ahead: Updates on Winter Ball, the Australian Baseball League, WBC, World Baseball Classic, 2026, and the upcoming WPBL, Women's Professional Baseball League draft. Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @ baseballbizondeck@gmail.com BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward
Fantasy Baseball Live – October 19, 2025 @ 3 pm ETSegment 1: ALCS and NLCS GamesSegment 2: Fantasy Questions of the NL CentralChicago Cubs1.Matt Shaw played ok, but honestly, did he live up to the hype – he hit .226 with a .295 OBP, 13 home runs, 17 stolen bases.a.What's his stat line in 2026 – HR, SB, BA, OBPi.Tim's response - .240 BA, 17 HR, 24 SB2.Michael Busch was great in 2025 with 34 home runs and a .261 batting average, .343 OBP. However, he hit .207 vs. left-handed pitches and only 4 of his 34 home runs. Are you worried that he'll fall into a platoon roll? Does it matter?a.Tim's response. Doesn't matter. He's a Top 10 first baseman3.Cade Horton was one of the leagues breakout rookie pitchers, posting a 2.67 ERA but only striking out less than 7.5 per nine.a.How should I think about him for next season. A number _________ pitcheri.Tim: Three starter with upside4.Danie Palcencia had 22 saves in 2025. Do you consider him a top 10 closer?a.Tim: No, still likes Porter Hodge5.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors) – Tim's response belowa.Moises Ballesteros - Light #1 or strong #2 catcherb.Jaxson Wiggins – Draft and Hold LeaguesCincinnati Reds1.In the first half, Elly De La Cruz hit 18 home runs, stole 25 bases and hit .284. In the second half, with fewer at-bats, he hit 4 home runs, stole 12 bases and hit .236. How worried are you coming into drafts this season?a.Tim's response – Not overly – should get 20 home runs and as many stolen bases as he wants. There could be 20-23 upside.2.Gavin Lux hit five home runs, stole one base. He did hit .269 with a .350 OBP. He's a fantasy dud, right?a.If so, then there are two duds on that squad. Ke Bryan Hayes and Lux. Not a good feeling going into the season, no?i.Tim's response - Lux is a dud! It's not a good feeling with Hayes.3.Where did the stolen bases go for Spencer Steer? He had 25 in 2024 and 7 last year. Baseballsavant shows his sprint speed at 66th, down for 73 in 2024a.Will the speed return in 2026?i.Tim's response – 11 stolen bases. Kind of.4.Stat line for Chase Burns – Wins, ERA, Ksa.Tim's response – 90's IP, 6 wins, 3.90, 110K5.Is Tony Santillian really the closer for the Reds? Are you trusting him?a.Tim's response - Yes, he likes the setup. Doesn't think they will resign Emilio Pagan6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors) – Tim's responsea.Noelvi Marte – if he can control the strikezone better, Tim likes him a lotb.Andrew Abbott – Probably will fall and he might be targetMilwaukee Brewers1.Jackson Chourio stat line for 2026 – HR, SB, and BAa.He's a ____________ round pick?i.27 HR, 21 SB, .270 BAii.Late first, early second2.Andrew Vaughn showed flashes in 2025, hitting 14 home runs in 112 games. He hits lefties better than righties though - .313 vs. .230 but has power against both.a.How should I think of Vaughn at the draft table? A bit of a sleeper or a sucker pick?i.Tim's response – Is bullish. Hit 20 home runs, drive in 70.3.William Contreras over/under – 25 home runs.a.Tim's response – just under4.Jacob Misiorowski stat line for 2026a.Games started, Wins, ERA, Ki.Tim's response – 120 IP, 12 wins, 3.65, 145 K5.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors) – Tim's response is belowa.Abner Urbie – Tim wants him in all his league.b.Logan Henderson – If healthy, could be somebody – In Draft and Holds, after round 40c.Caleb DurbinClose5.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Close
Send us a textWhat if the fastest way to win more games is to stop spending outs? We take a hard look at the numbers that truly drive runs—on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and the deceptively simple OPS—and show how a smarter lineup can flip close scores in your favor. From a striking Barry Bonds breakdown to a candid reflection on batting a high school star second for extra plate appearances, we lay out why batting average and RBIs often hide the real story and how to build an order that multiplies opportunities instead of wasting them.We start by reframing offense around scarcity: every team owns a limited supply of outs, and the goal is to convert those into runs with ruthless efficiency. That's where OBP becomes the north star, rewarding hitters who control the zone and keep innings alive. Layer in slugging to capture extra-base impact, then combine them into OPS to compare hitters cleanly. You'll hear a simple head-to-head that exposes why a .265 hitter with a .900 OPS can outproduce a .300 hitter with a .760 OPS, especially when every plate appearance is magnified in seven-inning high school games.From Moneyball's 2002 A's to the 2004 Red Sox and the Rays' worst-to-first leap, the pattern holds: teams that get on base and hit for power score more and win more. We translate that into a clear blueprint for coaches—elevate your highest OBP bats to the top, stack reliable power behind them, and give your best OPS hitters the most turns. Then we balance the model with practical judgment: park factors, matchups, and game flow still matter, but they should refine, not replace, your default. Walk away with drills and culture shifts that reward plate discipline, punish bad swing decisions, and celebrate the unsexy walk as a winning play.Ready to rebuild your card with purpose and pick up a few extra wins? Follow the show, share this episode with your staff, and leave a quick review telling us your team's OPS thresholds for the top of the lineup.Support the show Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.net Sponsor: The Netting Professionals https://www.nettingpros.com
Frank Thomas looked more like an NFL Tight=End, looking to create space in the end zone to receive a touchdown, than he did a baseball player. But in many ways, the 6'5" 275 pound icon was ostensibly a contact hitter trapped inside of a slugger's body, with a judicious knowledge of the strike zone and quick hand-eye coordination. He was a dog on the hunt, looking to inflict pain on opposing teams, thus earning the well deserved moniker; The Big Hurt. Even in the context of playing in one of the greatest offensive eras in the game's history, Frank's raw production is staggering, From 1991 to 1997, he strung together seven consecutive seasons with 20 home runs. 100 or more walks, 100 or more RBI and a .300 average, No player before or since has equalled the feat. He is the all-time White Sox leader in home runs, doubles, walks, OBP and SLUG. Thomas would achieve these benchmarks through hard work, persistence, and never taking anything for granted. This week we do a deep archaeological dig into the baseball path laid down by the man. #FrankThomas #TheBigHurt #ColumbusGeorgia #BobbyHoward #AuburnUniversity #HalBaird #PatDye #WaltHriniak #BoJackson #OaklandAthletics #TorontoBlueJays #JeffTorborg #PamelaThomas
Frank Thomas looked more like an NFL Tight=End, looking to create space in the end zone to receive a touchdown, than he did a baseball player. But in many ways, the 6'5" 275 pound icon was ostensibly a contact hitter trapped inside of a slugger's body, with a judicious knowledge of the strike zone and quick hand-eye coordination. He was a dog on the hunt, looking to inflict pain on opposing teams, thus earning the well deserved moniker; The Big Hurt. Even in the context of playing in one of the greatest offensive eras in the game's history, Frank's raw production is staggering, From 1991 to 1997, he strung together seven consecutive seasons with 20 home runs. 100 or more walks, 100 or more RBI and a .300 average, No player before or since has equalled the feat. He is the all-time White Sox leader in home runs, doubles, walks, OBP and SLUG. Thomas would achieve these benchmarks through hard work, persistence, and never taking anything for granted. This week we do a deep archaeological dig into the baseball path laid down by the man. #FrankThomas #TheBigHurt #ColumbusGeorgia #BobbyHoward #AuburnUniversity #HalBaird #PatDye #WaltHriniak #BoJackson #OaklandAthletics #TorontoBlueJays #JeffTorborg #PamelaThomas
Mickey from the 'You down with OBP' pod joins to talk about our guys and our fades for the upcoming dynasty football season. We talk about Jalen Hurts, Jonathan Taylor, Isiah Pacheco, Jaylen Waddle, Ricky Pearsall, Caleb Williams, Baker Mayfield, Christian McCaffrey, Tyrone Tracy, De'Von Achane, Mark Andrews, Davante Adams, and Chris Olave.Subscribe to Dynasty Sports Life for great dynasty talk about four dynasty sports. Some music by Kevin MacLeod. Follow on twitter at @dynsportslife. Email at dynastysportslife@gmail.com
In this episode of Data Dump, we dive into the advanced metrics behind four key Rockies names:
In this week's new remarks, we consider a revival of the baseball musical Damn Yankees which may let the bigoted owners of the original Washington Senators off the hook for destroying their franchise, with a quick look at the Homestead Grays' residency in the District of Columbia. In the reissue part of the show, we return to “The Turtle Who Was Hated By God,” which is exactly what it sounds like, make a quick stop with a catcher who was heavily into OBP, and finally view racist mascots through the lens of the 17th century Pequot War. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. Baseball, America's brighter mirror, often reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman discusses the game's present, past, and future with forays outside the foul lines to the culture at large. Expect history, politics, stats, and frequent Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?
Welcome to ✨ episode 200 ✨ of The Oblivion Bar Podcast! In this very special milestone episode, we ditch the script and go full heart-to-heart, reflecting on the last five years of building this nerdy podcast from scratch.We share behind-the-scenes stories, some of our favorite moments and episodes in OBP history, and why podcasting with your best friend is still a rewarding venture all these years later.Whether you've been here since episode one or just found us last week, this is our love letter to you—our supporters, listeners, our guests, and everyone else who has followed us along the way.---Thank you Oni Press & Endless Comics, Cards & Games for sponsoring The Oblivion Bar PodcastFollow us on InstagramFollow us on ThreadsFollow us on BlueSkyLike us on FacebookConsider supporting us over on PatreonThank you DreamKid for our Oblivion Bar musicThank you KXD Studios for our Oblivion Bar art
Fantasy Baseball Live – July 13, 2025 @ 3 pmMicrosoft TeamsSegments 1 and 2 – Review the Weekend GamesAdditional Questions1.Any thoughts on yesterday's Futures Game?2.Christian Encarnacion Strand was demoted. I know I sound like a broken record, but when you never walk, it doesn't matter if you hit six home runs in five weeks; teams don't want you if you're sporting a low OBP. In CES's case, it was .234.3.Andrew Vaughn got called up for the Brewers to replace Rhys Hoskins and is hitting .429 with two home runs this week. Thoughts?a.I suppose the White Sox didn't actually need him with all their talent.4.Sean Manaea was finally activated. He performed well last season, and his underlying data looked very strong. Thoughts?5.When I broke down PCA for our Patreon members a few weeks back, I told them that either PCA or Ceddanne Rafaela had to correct, as their baseballsavant pages looked almost identical. Rafeala has hit .400 in July with four home runs and two stolen bases. Thoughts?6.Brady House hit his first two home runs as a Major Leaguer on Saturday.7.Austin Riley hit the IL. Is it Nacho time in Atlanta?8.Jacob Misiorowski makes the All-Star Game.a.Your thoughts?Segments 3 and 4 – Waiver WireSegment 5 – Closer ReportClose
Send JD a text message and be heard!WOW!!!! Thanks @companyadjace @anthonyyacc for the tidbit on blbonds25 if his 762 #homeruns were turned into outs he'd still have a higher OBP than @davidortiz and that makes me happy. #bobbybonilladay @mannyramirez2499 @rick_dipietro_39 & #chrisdavis all received deferred payments today. Bonilla over $1.1M from @mets & 500K from @orioles plus Chris Davis over $9M also from the Orioles today. Manny's $2M same as @shoheiohtani #mlb salary today. YACC @brianbarnaby @call_me_tca_prez @rho212 @donna.fender @kevdu_theman @bmtlive07 @paddy_bailey @lrt_network @i_need_a_sports_iv @thomaswdonovan @robparker1980 & @cpd94_mk talked @jazzchisholmfdn @yankees @mets rained out tonight AL MVP @calraleigh_ or @thejudge44 has to Judge IMO. @partylikearochkind sent me @astros fans 9 beers and 9 hot dogs in 9 innings. #pizza in Connecticut. Need to do a tour. @rackkwall traded by @nygiants to @miamidolphins I'm not expecting much from him. @cocogauff out in first round @wimbledon & #sportstrivia at the finish.All sports. One podcast. (even hockey) PODCAST LINK ON ITUNES: http://bit.ly/JDTSPODCAST
Having himself an All-star season thus far, Jeremy Peña has raised his contract value drastically following the Astros' rebuilding stage here in Houston with the departure of a few veterans this past offseason. Batting at an average of .325 with an OBP of .380 and slugging at .495, has heightened the shortstops worth and have broached the conversation around $100M regarding contract negotiations. Breaking down the conversation and Boras' new signed client, Sean and Dan are joined by KPRC 's Ari Alexander discussing the possibilities of the Astros' signing Peña back and what may his future tend to look like if he sustains this level of great play.
The Southeastern 16 crew of Graham Doty, Jay Greeson and Chris Lee preview and predicts an outcome on the Auburn super regional, featuring Auburn and Coastal Carolina. Auburn used just seven arms--Sam Dutton, Christian Chatterton, Cam Tilly, Andreas Alvarez, Cade Fisher, Ryan Hetzler and Parker Carlson--to get through a regional sweep of Central Connecticut, Stetson and North Carolina State. Future MLB first-rounder Ike Irish and veteran Cooper McMurray lead a balanced Auburn lineup with elite freshman talents Chase Fralic, Chris Rembert and Bub Terrell that really came on as the season progressed. Coastal Carolina comes in with a 51-11 record that included a sweep of its regional. The Chanticleers have one of the country's best pitching staffs (3.22 ERA) with Jacob Morrison, Cameron Flukey, Riley Eikoff, Luke Jones, Dominic Carbone, Matthew Potok, Hayden Johnson, Ryan Lunch, Darin Horn and company providing durability and depth. Potential first-round catcher Caden Bodine paces a Chanticleer lineup that gets on base throughout, with Blake Barthol (12 HR) and Sebastian Alexander (10) providing some power and Walker Mitchell (.449 OBP, 11 steals), Conway regional MVP Colby Thorndyke also big concerns for opponents. GAMETIME SIDEKICKS Use promo code SE16 for 10% off! http://www.gametimesidekicks.com/ SANDERS MOVING Efficient, hassle-free moving: https://www.tedrsandersmoving.com/ JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP
The Southeastern 16 crew of Graham Doty, Jay Greeson and Chris Lee break down host Clemson's draw in an NCAA baseball regional. Topics include: Clemson's offense gets on base throughout the lineup, with potential MLB first-round center fielder Cam Cannarella providing a dynamic presence in center field, Dominic Listi (.506 OBP) making for the lineup's toughest out, and Jacob Jarrell (15 HR) and Collin Priest (12) providing power. Workhorse right-hander Aidan Knaak and ace relievers Lucas Mahlstedt, Jacob McGovern and Reed Garris giving the Tigers aces on the mound. West Virginia was the Big 12's regular-season champion, but faded late in the season. Outfielder Kyle West (.354/500/.628, 10 HR) led a balanced offense that stole 105 bases. Griffin Kirn, Jack Kartsonas and Reese Bassinger give the Mountaineers a trio of durable, effective pitchers that give WVU a shot to advance. Kentucky played nearly everyone competitively and even took a series at Tennessee. The Wildcats' back-end bullpen troubles prevented a better record, but coach Nick Mingione is one of the best on the business and gets a lot out of a lineup that bunts, runs and puts pressure on defenses. Left fielder Cole Hage is a standout, shortstop Tyler Bell turned down Big League money to come to campus and starred as a freshman this year, and weekend starters Nic McCay's experience and crafty lefty-hander Ben Cleaver make the Wildcats a tough out. South Carolina Upstate is one of the tournament's toughest four-seeds, thanks to an offense that hit .319/.422/.530, with slugger Scott Newman (18 HR) leading the way. Ace Amp Phillips makes the Spartans a threat to pull an upset against one of the three Power 4 teams in the regional.
What do you get when you mix a cloned five-star legend, rising Irish talent, and a four-star field full of firepower? A Millstreet weekend that's anything but ordinary. In this Connolly's Red Mills special, Nicole Brown and Sam Watson dig into the data, the drama, and the dark horses. From Chilli Morning IV's much-anticipated four-star debut to big moves in the race for the Irish national title, it's an episode that blends analysis, prediction, and a good dose of curiosity. Highlights include: Clone Watch: Chilli Morning IV steps up to four-star with Gemma Stevens — but what do the numbers say about the clone's chances? Data-Driven Picks: A 38% win chance, top OBP (opposition beaten percentage), and the strongest dressage average in the field — Chilli IV is one to beat. Contenders to Know: Altitu (Patrick Whelan), Wilfred Lancer (Kevin McNab), and Killossery Kaptain (Laura Collett) all bring serious form to the table. Irish National Title in Play: The top-placed Eventing Ireland member in the 4*-S takes the crown — Sam's betting big on a local name. Red Mills on the Ground: With best turned out prizes, nutrition support, and top products on site, Red Mills, Foran Equine, and Carr Day & Martin have the weekend covered. Guests: Nicole Brown – Host of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Sam Watson – Irish international rider and EquiRatings co-founder EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Chris Lee and Alfred Ezman preview the Nashville Regional, where host Vanderbilt was the country's overall No. 1 seed. Topics include: The host Commodores may have the deepest pitching staff in the country. It's headlined by lefty JD Thompson, righties Cody Bowker and Connor Fennell and a big-time, back-end arm in right-hander Sawyer Hawks. The Commodores are one of the country's best defensive teams, and talented hitters RJ Austin, Brodie Johnston, Braden Holcomb, Rustan Rigdon and Riley Nelson came on late as Vanderbilt came out of nowhere to get the tournament's top seed. Perennial rival Louisville could push the Commodores. Coach Dan McDonnell's pitching staff has struggled at times, but Patrick Forbes and Tucker Biven are talented and could help Louisville push anyone in the regional. Center fielder Lucas Moore (.470 OBP, 43 steals) is a sparkplug at the top of the lineup and the Cardinals have power from Eddie King Jr. (14 HR), Tague Davis (18) and Zion Rose (11). East Tennessee State travels west to face Vanderbilt for the first time this year; the Buccaneers knocked off Tennessee for the Vols' first loss this year and have the talent to do damage. ETSU mashed 116 home runs, with Cooper Torres (23), Cody Miller (16), Jamie Palmese (16) and Grant Gallagher (20) all having big years. The Buccaneers also have some really good arms in Michael Harpster and Brady Frederick and certainly have the talent to win games in Nashville. Wright State bashed 20 home runs, getting 23 from Boston Smith, 20 from JP Peltier and 13 from Cam GIlkerson. The Raiders must get quality pitching from Cam Allen, Garrett Peters and Jarrett Heilman in the regional if they're to advance.
Go to kushydreams.com and use Promo Code JOMBOY at checkout to get 20% off your next order!++++++Timestamps:0:00 Memorial Day Weekend 2:00 Knicks Vibes 3:25 You Liked Last Episode A Lot + Spencer Torkelson Shoutout5:25 Kyle Stowers Shoutout 11:00 You Know Judge, Schwarber, etc. are Good11:30 Some Other Guys That Have Stuck Out 13:00 Will Smith is SECOND in OBP! 16:30 WHO is the Guy?27:40 Pickup Basketball 34:50 Knicks Game 3 Tonight
#BeAGoodFriend and check out episode #136 of #FeeneyTalksWithFriends featuring Greg Confessore.It was great to talk with my #friend, GregHe is the Vice-President of Cricket Press Inc.We talked about:Earning Family-owned Small Business of the Year (minute 1)Cricket Press (minute 3)Podcast sponsors (minute 5)4 Keys (sponsored by West Hartford Lock) to being Vice President (minute 6)What makes Dom a good #friend? (minute 11)Projects: First, Last, Best, Worst (minute 12)Confirm or Deny: Did you print for NASA? (minute 17)Their clients include: Google, Apple and MLB (minute 19)I.T.A.R. (minute 21)Dan Hovey from West Hartford Solar (minute 23)EXCLUSIVE NEWS: Greg's wife, Brittany is having a baby! (minute 27)Friends of Feeney magnets are on sale at The Daily Grind (minute 29)Handing out stickers at the Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade (minute 31)Keating Agency Insurance sponsors everything! (minute 34)Cricket Press merch: tattoos, erasable pens and yard signs (minute 36)FoF 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on 9/13/25 (minute 38)Greg built birdhouses for his Eagle Scout Badge (minute 42)Greg's OBP was 1.000 for Wentworth Institute of Technology's baseball team (minute 45)Greg's favorite memory of his dad, Tim (minute 48)Why the name Cricket Press? (minute 53)Behind the Scenes: We print with The Roland VG3-540 (minute 56)Upcoming events (minute 59)Behind the Scenes: We print with The Logo JET VVx40R Plus (minute 1.03)Podcast Sponsors:The Fix IV - www.thefixivtherapy.comWest Hartford Lock - www.westhartfordlock.comKeating Agency Insurance - www.keatingagency.comGoff Law Group - www.gofflawgroup.netParkville Management - www.parkvillemanagement.comLuna Pizza - www.lunapizzawh.com/lunas-menuPeoplesBank - www.bankatpeoples.comFloat 41 - www.float41.comMaximum Beverage - www.maximumbev.comSally and Bob's - www.sallyandbobs.com
Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg discuss the latest around Major League Baseball. Juan Soto's struggles, the Dodgers slump and futures bets to make right now! In this episode, Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers dissect a range of MLB storylines, with a heavy focus on Juan Soto's troubled transition to the Mets. Soto's recent on-field behavior—particularly his lack of hustle on a hit off the Green Monster and only securing one hit across three games against the Yankees—sparked criticism. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced plans to speak with Soto about his effort. Towers emphasized how professional athletes are expected to hustle regardless of performance, especially when part of a new organization. He critiqued Soto's declining stats (.246 average in 2025, subpar defense) and called out the media narrative that built him up unrealistically since his 2020 breakout. He believes the $765 million valuation raised unsustainable expectations. Michael Kay, based on conversations with Mets and Yankees insiders, claimed Soto appears “glum” and without joy. Soto reportedly preferred to remain a Yankee, but his family urged him to accept the Mets' offer. Towers, who played for both franchises, praised the Yankees for their professionalism and structure, saying it fosters respect and accountability. In contrast, he noted that the Mets, while improving, still lack the Yankees' foundational stability. Scott and Josh then evaluated the NL East race. Seidenberg endorsed betting on the Phillies to win the division at +130, noting their strong veteran core (Harper, Schwarber, Wheeler) and manager Dave Dombrowski's history of bold moves. Josh echoed this but pointed out the Phillies' need for young talent infusion, something they've lacked in recent years. They also discussed the Braves' resurgence, who started 0-8 but have since gone 24-15, with key players like Max Fried returning. Shifting to the Dodgers, both hosts criticized Dave Roberts' pitching management. The team's constant injuries and overuse of bullpen arms have led to four consecutive home losses. Towers questioned the effectiveness of the organization's throwing programs and training strategies. Despite Yamamoto's reliability, the rest of the rotation, including Snell, Glasnow, and Kershaw, remains inconsistent or injured. Fried's Cy Young candidacy was explored in depth. With a 1.29 ERA and consistent dominance, Josh called him the clear front-runner. Other contenders like Robbie Ray, Hunter Brown, and Chris Bubik were noted, though Fried's consistency set him apart. On the offensive side, Pete Crow Armstrong's recent surge sparked MVP speculation, but Josh dismissed it due to his relatively weak OBP and limited consistency. Attention turned to the Texas Rangers, whose rotation (deGrom, Eovaldi, Mowley) and improving offense make them serious contenders. The coaching shift toward personalized, non-analytic-heavy hitting plans has improved their situational batting. They also discussed trade rumors including Bo Bichette, Kenley Jansen, and Sandy Alcantara potentially moving before the deadline. The Orioles and Rockies came under fire for poor development. The Rockies' minus-150 run differential led Scott to predict they might break the all-time worst record. Josh argued that both teams lack direction and accountability, especially with player growth and clubhouse culture. Lastly, home field advantage in 2025 has reached historic levels, with home teams winning 56.5% of games, the best rate since 2005. Betting trends show high returns for home favorites, and Seidenberg emphasized this is a year to follow such patterns. The hosts closed with MVP and Cy Young betting odds, a promo for Pregame.com, and a final note on the season's unpredictability and remaining opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg discuss the latest around Major League Baseball. Juan Soto's struggles, the Dodgers slump and futures bets to make right now! In this episode, Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers dissect a range of MLB storylines, with a heavy focus on Juan Soto's troubled transition to the Mets. Soto's recent on-field behavior—particularly his lack of hustle on a hit off the Green Monster and only securing one hit across three games against the Yankees—sparked criticism. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced plans to speak with Soto about his effort. Towers emphasized how professional athletes are expected to hustle regardless of performance, especially when part of a new organization. He critiqued Soto's declining stats (.246 average in 2025, subpar defense) and called out the media narrative that built him up unrealistically since his 2020 breakout. He believes the $765 million valuation raised unsustainable expectations. Michael Kay, based on conversations with Mets and Yankees insiders, claimed Soto appears “glum” and without joy. Soto reportedly preferred to remain a Yankee, but his family urged him to accept the Mets' offer. Towers, who played for both franchises, praised the Yankees for their professionalism and structure, saying it fosters respect and accountability. In contrast, he noted that the Mets, while improving, still lack the Yankees' foundational stability. Scott and Josh then evaluated the NL East race. Seidenberg endorsed betting on the Phillies to win the division at +130, noting their strong veteran core (Harper, Schwarber, Wheeler) and manager Dave Dombrowski's history of bold moves. Josh echoed this but pointed out the Phillies' need for young talent infusion, something they've lacked in recent years. They also discussed the Braves' resurgence, who started 0-8 but have since gone 24-15, with key players like Max Fried returning. Shifting to the Dodgers, both hosts criticized Dave Roberts' pitching management. The team's constant injuries and overuse of bullpen arms have led to four consecutive home losses. Towers questioned the effectiveness of the organization's throwing programs and training strategies. Despite Yamamoto's reliability, the rest of the rotation, including Snell, Glasnow, and Kershaw, remains inconsistent or injured. Fried's Cy Young candidacy was explored in depth. With a 1.29 ERA and consistent dominance, Josh called him the clear front-runner. Other contenders like Robbie Ray, Hunter Brown, and Chris Bubik were noted, though Fried's consistency set him apart. On the offensive side, Pete Crow Armstrong's recent surge sparked MVP speculation, but Josh dismissed it due to his relatively weak OBP and limited consistency. Attention turned to the Texas Rangers, whose rotation (deGrom, Eovaldi, Mowley) and improving offense make them serious contenders. The coaching shift toward personalized, non-analytic-heavy hitting plans has improved their situational batting. They also discussed trade rumors including Bo Bichette, Kenley Jansen, and Sandy Alcantara potentially moving before the deadline. The Orioles and Rockies came under fire for poor development. The Rockies' minus-150 run differential led Scott to predict they might break the all-time worst record. Josh argued that both teams lack direction and accountability, especially with player growth and clubhouse culture. Lastly, home field advantage in 2025 has reached historic levels, with home teams winning 56.5% of games, the best rate since 2005. Betting trends show high returns for home favorites, and Seidenberg emphasized this is a year to follow such patterns. The hosts closed with MVP and Cy Young betting odds, a promo for Pregame.com, and a final note on the season's unpredictability and remaining opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jake Meyers has been more than a glove this season for the Houston Astros. On pace for a Gold Glove and All-Star season, the center fielder continues to remain hot at the plate with a career-high batting average, OPS and OBP. But can it last into June? The A-Team discusses!
Will Venable has been trying something new with his lineups. It isn't old school. It isn't new school. The White Sox manager is stacking OBP because he has an incomplete lineup. In Cincinnati it actually worked very well. We also update the White Sox Gatekeeping Affair from last Saturday night as it becomes more apparent that there may be a security issue at the ballpark. (Yes, other than that time someone reportedly got shot last year.) Brought to you by Cork & Kerry At The Park. Chris Lanuti and Ed Siebert sit at his 9-foot homemade oak bar in a basement on the South Side of Chicago to discuss their favorite team - The Chicago White Sox in a podcast "For Fans, By Fans!" Listen. Subscribe. Share. Video version now available on YouTube! Call 708-459-8406 and leave your comments and questions for the next episode! SUBSCRIBE NOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, everywhere podcasts can be found and always at SoxInTheBasement.com!
Rundown[Intro] The Chicago White Sox win a road series at Cincinnati in thanks to excellent pitching performances from Jonathan Cannon and Davis Martin. Are their arsenals getting better? Or are the Reds that bad at hitting? With the White Sox starters ERA now ranked 12th in MLB, does that grant more confidence in their overall ability?[11:15] Chase Meidroth, Edgar Quero, and Matt Thaiss all have impressive OBP, but very low slugging percentages. When will opposing teams stop nibbling and challenge these hitters in the zone?[24:54] White Sox trade for reliever Miguel Castro and claim infielder Vinny Capra[34:03] Series Preview: Chicago Cubs. Can the White Sox pitchers hold up against the Cubs very good lineup?[43:54] Luis Robert Jr. trade standing gets shakier. How many teams would offer multiple FV 45 grade prospects for Robert at this stage?
Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg talk about players receiving threats, the Rockies ineptitude and other betting stories around Major League Baseball. In this episode of "The Inside Pitch" recorded on May 12, Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers discuss the controversy surrounding Lance McCullers Jr., his disastrous return, and the broader implications of gambling culture in MLB. McCullers, in his second start after a two-year injury hiatus, surrendered seven runs in a 10-run first inning against the Reds, registering just one out, giving up three hits, three walks, and one home run. Post-game, McCullers and his family received death threats, which Towers attributed to the toxic intersection of sports betting and fan entitlement. Towers emphasized that no athlete intentionally underperforms and that threatening players over wagers is unacceptable. Seidenberg concurred, adding that the accessibility of players via social media exacerbates the issue. McCullers expressed frustration, noting he only wants to perform for the Astros while ensuring his family's safety. Shifting focus to live betting strategies, Seidenberg recounted betting the Astros team total over 3.5 runs during the blowout, leveraging the assumption that weak bullpen arms would enter early. Towers supported this approach, explaining that such scenarios often lead to high-scoring games due to less effective relievers being used and pitchers potentially experimenting with pitches under low-pressure conditions. They dissected Brady Singer's outing, noting he stuck to his sinker-slider mix, throwing 30 sinkers, 15 sliders, and four cutters, struggling post the 45-minute delay. The discussion broadened to emphasize that blowouts offer learning opportunities for pitchers, enabling them to test pitches in-game situations they'd avoid in tighter contests. Attention turned to the Rockies' collapse, particularly their 21-0 loss to the Padres, followed by Bud Black's firing. Towers criticized the Rockies' misuse of pitchers, particularly exposing young arms like Blaylock to overwhelming situations, likely contributing to organizational dysfunction. Betting-wise, the Rockies were highlighted as historically profitable to fade, with 30 of their 33 losses by multiple runs and a 5-29 record in first-five innings. Seidenberg recommended automatic daily run line fades against the Rockies. Broader betting trends were analyzed, including the Mets' 29-12 first-five innings under record and the Royals' similar 30-12 mark. The Mariners surprisingly leaned to the over. The conversation shifted to player performance futures. Kyle Schwarber's 46-game on-base streak, 14 home runs, and .404 OBP were celebrated, with Seidenberg suggesting profitable betting strategies targeting Schwarber to reach base safely in his first plate appearance using various app markets. Josh Towers and Seidenberg also agreed that Freddie Freeman's .367 average and league-best OPS made him undervalued at +1100 for the NL MVP, criticizing how consistently elite players are often overlooked in futures markets. In Cy Young discussions, Wheeler was favored in the NL at +700 due to his 58 innings, 2.95 ERA, and 0.91 WHIP, while Skubal and Eovaldi were highlighted in the AL. Hunter Brown was noted as a legitimate contender, given his cleaned-up mechanics and plus stuff. The Rookie of the Year race saw Jacob Wilson as AL favorite, while Luis Angel Acuna led the NL despite modest power numbers, with Towers skeptical of his long-term viability. They concluded by discussing rookie dark horses and emphasized the difficulty pitchers face sustaining excellence across a full season, all while promoting Pregame.com's latest offers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg talk about players receiving threats, the Rockies ineptitude and other betting stories around Major League Baseball. In this episode of "The Inside Pitch" recorded on May 12, Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers discuss the controversy surrounding Lance McCullers Jr., his disastrous return, and the broader implications of gambling culture in MLB. McCullers, in his second start after a two-year injury hiatus, surrendered seven runs in a 10-run first inning against the Reds, registering just one out, giving up three hits, three walks, and one home run. Post-game, McCullers and his family received death threats, which Towers attributed to the toxic intersection of sports betting and fan entitlement. Towers emphasized that no athlete intentionally underperforms and that threatening players over wagers is unacceptable. Seidenberg concurred, adding that the accessibility of players via social media exacerbates the issue. McCullers expressed frustration, noting he only wants to perform for the Astros while ensuring his family's safety. Shifting focus to live betting strategies, Seidenberg recounted betting the Astros team total over 3.5 runs during the blowout, leveraging the assumption that weak bullpen arms would enter early. Towers supported this approach, explaining that such scenarios often lead to high-scoring games due to less effective relievers being used and pitchers potentially experimenting with pitches under low-pressure conditions. They dissected Brady Singer's outing, noting he stuck to his sinker-slider mix, throwing 30 sinkers, 15 sliders, and four cutters, struggling post the 45-minute delay. The discussion broadened to emphasize that blowouts offer learning opportunities for pitchers, enabling them to test pitches in-game situations they'd avoid in tighter contests. Attention turned to the Rockies' collapse, particularly their 21-0 loss to the Padres, followed by Bud Black's firing. Towers criticized the Rockies' misuse of pitchers, particularly exposing young arms like Blaylock to overwhelming situations, likely contributing to organizational dysfunction. Betting-wise, the Rockies were highlighted as historically profitable to fade, with 30 of their 33 losses by multiple runs and a 5-29 record in first-five innings. Seidenberg recommended automatic daily run line fades against the Rockies. Broader betting trends were analyzed, including the Mets' 29-12 first-five innings under record and the Royals' similar 30-12 mark. The Mariners surprisingly leaned to the over. The conversation shifted to player performance futures. Kyle Schwarber's 46-game on-base streak, 14 home runs, and .404 OBP were celebrated, with Seidenberg suggesting profitable betting strategies targeting Schwarber to reach base safely in his first plate appearance using various app markets. Josh Towers and Seidenberg also agreed that Freddie Freeman's .367 average and league-best OPS made him undervalued at +1100 for the NL MVP, criticizing how consistently elite players are often overlooked in futures markets. In Cy Young discussions, Wheeler was favored in the NL at +700 due to his 58 innings, 2.95 ERA, and 0.91 WHIP, while Skubal and Eovaldi were highlighted in the AL. Hunter Brown was noted as a legitimate contender, given his cleaned-up mechanics and plus stuff. The Rookie of the Year race saw Jacob Wilson as AL favorite, while Luis Angel Acuna led the NL despite modest power numbers, with Towers skeptical of his long-term viability. They concluded by discussing rookie dark horses and emphasized the difficulty pitchers face sustaining excellence across a full season, all while promoting Pregame.com's latest offers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's time get offensive! How committed is this new Seahawks regime to playing an offense-first style of football? Will they actually run the football like they've suggested? Will they be defense first? Everything done this offseason suggests that they are very focused on running the ball and creating a dominant defense. Now, let's talk about the Mariners offense- despite a slow start, the Mariners offense has heated up. 3rd in HR's and 4th in OBP. Is this sustainable? :30- EVERETT FITZHUGH (Kraken PxP0 joins us to wrap up the Kraken Hockey season and give us the latest on the PoHo and more. - The Head Coach search continues, who fits and when can we expect a decision to be made? - There's so much turnover in the NHL when it comes to head coaches, does it make sense to wait out the playoffs? - Rick Tocchet, John Cooper, Mike Sullivan- could one of them be the one? :45- Now that we went through all the Shadeur Sanders hype, he is just like everyone else and gets to start at ground zero and prove he is worth it.
Read ESPN's hot takes with us: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44572185/mlb-2025-season-predictions-early-hot-takes-division-winner-world-series-picksGo to KushyDreams.com and use Promo Code JOMBOY420 for 30% off and enter to win free stuff!++++++Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:50 Reviewing the 2024 Takes9:50 Breakout Player Predictions 12:15 Pete Alonso 135 RBI?17:45 Mariners Will Finish in Last Place20:55 Mike Trout Will Win the Gold Glove in RF28:05 Fernando Tatis Top-3 MVP 29:00 Aaron Judge .500 OBP!31:10 Luis Arraez will strike out less than 20 times34:15 Nick Kurtz Top-10 OPS and Will WIN Rookie of the Year 38:45 Kris Bubic Top-5 Cy Young Finish42:00 Yankees Won't Be a Top-10 HR Team This Year43:30 Angels Will WIN the AL West 45:15 The Top 3 NL Cy Young Candidates Will Be Phillies47:40 Jung Hoo Lee Will Win the NL Batting Title and Finish Top-5 in MVP
Bogman and Welsh do a 2 catcher OBP mock draft
Join up to be a member of the army and support your boys to create more and more fantasy Baseball content that not only wins your league, but makes you laugh! Redraft ranks, prospect/dynasty ranks, groupme rooms, live podcasts and more! Find it all at inthisleague.comFollow the guys on Twitter @IsItTheWelsh @BogmanSports
Send us a textA young, expectant wife must figure out how to stop her husband's late night podcast binge habit before he harms himself or his family. On Episode 655 of Trick or Treat Radio we discuss the South Korean film, Sleep from director Jason Yu! We also talk about some of our favorite movies that involve sleep/dreams/nightmares as part of the plot, reminisce about obscure 70s and 80s toys, and have a chat about Satanic Panic. So grab your sleeping pills to keep you awake, call the family Shaman, and strap on for the world's most dangerous podcast!Stuff we talk about: Legendary bitching, Satanic Panic, Twisted Sister, Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson, Dungeons and Dragons, Don “Balloon” Knotts, Three's Company, Clyde's Car Crusher, the gas shortage of the 70s, MaXXXine, Vortex, Gaspar Noe, technicolor dreamf*ck, Dario Argento, Dune Part One and Two, “Haley's Comet” Pontiac Firebird, Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox, you down with OBP?, Wrestlemania, Mike Tyson, Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, The Machinist, Paranormal Activity, Sleepwalkers, Doctor Sleep, Nightmare on Elm St., Richard Lynch, Bad Dreams, E.G. Daily, Dean Cameron, Dream Scenario, In Dreams, What Dreams May Come, Inception, Woody Allen's Sleeper, Dreamscape, Come True, Sandman, Flatliners, The Nightmare, Room 237, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Insidious, The Cell, Poltergeist III, The Fallen, The Fall, Rosemary's Baby, Mean Street Posse, Jack Black, Kyle Gass, Snoop, Al Snow, Sleep, Jason Yu, shooting fish in a barrel, sexy-time straps, Korean Fred Willard, Se7en, Bong Joon-ho, The Host, Parasite, Lee Sun-kyun, Jung Yu-mi, Natasia Demetriou, David Lynch's Dune, G.I. Joe figures, Sci-Fi epics, Dr. Dune, Zod Bless You, Denis Villeneuve, Chekhov's Pomeranian, Owen Hart, Timestalker, Alice Lowe, Armchair Cowboy, and The Jeff Jarrett Rorschach Test.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trickortreatradioJoin our Discord Community: discord.trickortreatradio.comSend Email/Voicemail: mailto:podcast@trickortreatradio.comVisit our website: http://trickortreatradio.comStart your own podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=386Use our Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2CTdZzKFB Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/trickortreatradioTwitter: http://twitter.com/TrickTreatRadioFacebook: http://facebook.com/TrickOrTreatRadioYouTube: http://youtube.com/TrickOrTreatRadioInstagram: http://instagram.com/TrickorTreatRadioSupport the show
Episode Summary: In this episode, I dive into a key aspect of the Cubs' roster—bench depth—and why improving it could make a huge impact in 2025. Last season, the Cubs' bench was a major weakness, and I break down the numbers on just how bad it was. But with several offseason additions and some intriguing prospects, is the bench finally a strength? I also check in on the latest Alex Bregman rumors and discuss whether the Cubs should pursue a veteran bench bat like Justin Turner or Mark Canha. Key Topics Covered:
Fantasy Baseball Live – December 29, 2024Segment 1 – News and Notes1.The Nationals acquired Nathanial Lowe from the Rangers for LHP Robert Garcia. The Rangers then signed Joc Pederson to a 2-year, $37 million contract with an opt-out after the first yeara.First, what did you think of the Nationals' move? Lowe wasn't very good last season but was fairly consistent prior to that.i.For those thinking that Andres Chaparro would get a chance, that appears to not be in the cards.b.The move allows the Rangers to move Jake Burger full-time to first and then park Pederson as the strong-side platoon DH. What do you think of the Rangers lineup?c.Does Robert Garcia get a boost in value with the chance to be the closer in Texas? Or was he your favorite in Washington for saves?2.The Diamondbacks signed Corbin Burnes for 6-years and 210 million.a.Burnes is on a four-year decline in his strikeout rate and only struck out 8.4 per nine last season. Plus, after a stellar first half, he posted a 3.69 ERA in the second half. Are you all in with Burnes in 2025, or do you have some reservations?i.Is he worth an early third-round pick (6th starter off the board)?ii.Are you particularly concerned about his move to the NL West and Arizona?3.The Dodgers re-signed Teoscar Hernandez for three years and $66 million with $23 million deferred. Jeff Passan said it best…the Dodgers are a machine. They get who they want. What do you think?4.The Red Sox signed Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million contract. He's coming off this second TJS and struggled in 16 starts for the Dodgers last season. He posted a 5.38 ERA, striking out 7.7 per nine.a.Stat line for 2025: IP, K, wins, and ERA5.The Tigers do things that I don't understand. They signed Javier Baez to a huge contract a few years back, and it will turn out to be one of the worst deals in the modern era. Now, they have signed Gleybar Torres to a one-year deal ($15 million). I know people say there are no bad one-year deals, but it clogs up an already full infield. a.Give me the starters in the infield and lose out on playing time.Segment 2 – NL West Fantasy Questions1.Arizona Diamondbacksa.Corbin Carroll will be more like the 2024 first-half player or the 2024 second-half player in 2025?i.Stat line for 2025: HR, SB, and BAb.Jordan Lawlar will take over the shortstop role of ______________ (looking for a date)?c.Is Alek Thomas nothing more than a fourth outfielder or do you think he can develop into something more?d.Justin Martinez had a nice run of closing games in August but didn't save a game after September 3. He's going as the 20th closer off the board. Do you think there is value in this pick?e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)2.Colorado Rockiesa.Brenton Doyle was one of the surprise blow-up players last season. He went 23-30 with a .260 batting average. Give me his stat line for 2025: HR, SB, and BAi.We will see where he is going and if it seems reasonable.b.Nolan Jones cost you a fourth-round pick in 2024. After injuries and poor playing when he was healthy, he will only cost you a 17th-round pick. Am I nuts to think there could be sneaky value here?c.One of your guys last season was Ezequiel Tovar. He popped 26 home runs, stole six bases, but only posted a .295 OBP. He's going as the 12th shortstop off the board. Too rich, or do you like the value here?d.Are there any starting pitchers you are interested in drafting this season?i.Who do you like as the favorite for saves?e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)3.Los Angeles Dodgersa.The Dodgers will win _________ games in 2025?b.Yes or No. Gavin Lux will be the starter at second base for the Dodgers on July 1?i.Stat line: HR, SB, and BAc.Shohei Ohtanii.Hitting Stats: HR, SB, and BAii.Pitching Stats: IP, Wins, Ks, and ERAd.Number of starts by pitcheri.Snell - 24ii.Yamamoto - 25iii.Glasnow - 19iv.Gonsolin - 18v.May - 5vi.Ohtani - 18vii.Sasaki – 18 or 20viii.Bobby Miller – 16ix.Landon Knack – 14x.Emmet Sheehan and Robleski – 15e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)4.San Diego Padresa.Jackson Merrill 2025 Stat Line: HR, SB, BAb.RosterResource has Tirso Ornelas and Eguy Rosario listed as starters. That doesn't stick, does it?c.Do you feel good about a team when you draft Luis Arraez, or do you feel like you screwed up in the draft?d.Michael King was great last season with 13 wins, a 2.95 ERA, and 201 strikeouts in 173.2.e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)5.San Francisco Giantsa.I know this will seem strange, but Jung Hoo Lee is one of my Outfield Targets this season. He's going as the 63rd outfielder. Am I going to be disappointed if I decide to grab him as my fourth or fifth outfielder?b.Is Grant McCray worth a spec pick this season? His ADP is 739.44.c.Tyler Fitzgerald was great last season. In 96 games, he hit 15 home runs and stole 17 bases. Over 162 games, that's a 23 HR, 27 SB guy. Yet, nobody seems to believe as his ADP is 237.87 (16/17 Round).d.Kyle Harrison 2025 stat line: IP, Wins, Ks, ERAe.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)6.Who wins the NL West and how many teams make the playoffs?
The Royals improved their win total by 30 games... what role did analytics play in the Royals run to the playoffs?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) welcome Royals Vice President - Assistant General Manager/Research & Development, Daniel Mack to the Pod.- What role did analytics play in signing Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha?- How do the Royals handle their pitchers?- Do the Royals value OBP?- How can analytics guide the Royals through this offseason?- What do the numbers say about Jac Caglianone?- How analytics helped Bobby Witt Jr.? - Rumors have the Royals talking Singer for India.
Segment 1 – News and Notes1.The Rays will play their 2024 home games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. It's hard to say exactly what the hitting and pitching effects will be, but Steinbrenner Field has always benefited offense.a.Will you make draft changes on Rays players based on this information?b.Not to be outdone, the Orioles announced they would move back the left field fences (after cutting the big hole). It should benefit right-handed power.c.Back to Tampa, apparently, their new stadium deal is off – again. I have no idea what this means, but a potential move out of the Tampa/St. Pete area is back on the table.2.Wander Franco got into more trouble. I'm no attorney, but those holding Franco in Dynasty Leagues…it's pass time to give up on him. It would take a miracle to see him play in MLB again.3.Award Predictionsa.AL ROY – Colton Cowser, Luis Gil, and Austin Wellsb.NL ROY – Jackson Chourio, Paul Skenes, and Jackson Merrillc.AL CY Young – Emmanuel Clase, Seth Lugo, and Tarik Skubald.NL CY Young – Chris Sale, Paul Skenes and Zack Wheeler e.AL MVP – Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Juan Sotof.NL MVP – Francisco Lindor, Ketel Marte, and Shohei OhtaniSegment 2 – Fantasy Baseball Questions of the AL Central 1.Detroit Tigersa.Spencer Torkelson is being drafted as the 20th first baseman off the board – after Michael Busch and before Nate Lowe. Are you as high on him at this draft slot as you were last season?b.Javier Baez – over/under 400 ABsi.If a lot less, will they acquire someone or give the job to Trey Sweeney?c.Parker Meadows was my dark horse for AL ROY. Was I a year early?i.2025 stat line: AB, HR, SB, BAd.Jackson Jobe's current ADP is 95. I thought it would be higher. Interested:i.2025 stat line: IP, K's, ERAe.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)2.Kansas City Royalsa.Vinnie P. had a nice step-up year in 2024, with 19 home runs and a .264 batting average. He is currently the 12th first baseman off the board. Is that too high, or do you like the spot?i.Over/Under – 25 home runsb.Maikel Garcia did not have the power upswing I thought he would have, and his .281 OBP is problematic. He is going as the 17th third baseman off the board. Is there growth here, or is he just a light-hitting 3B/2B with speed?i.He still hits the ball hard, but there just isn't any leverage with a 49.5% ground ball rate.c.Seth Lugo will get CY Young votes, but nobody is buying it, as his current ADP is 167 (69th pitcher off the board—52nd starter). Would you take him as your number three starter?d.Kyle Wright missed the entire 2024 with shoulder surgery. I haven't seen much of an update, but he's nearly free in drafts (665). Is it worth a gamble in a Draft and Hold League?e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)3.Minnesota Twinsa.The Twins team's talent is excellent. However, it's a problem when your top three players are Buxton, Correa, and Lewis, all of whom can't stay healthy. Do the Twins try to move one or two of them, or cross their fingers and hope they defy the odds and stay healthy?b.2025 stat line for Carlos Correa – AB, HR, BAc.Is Brooks Lee ready for a growth year?i.2025 stat line – AB, HR, SB, and BAii.His current ADP is 431, and while he's only SS eligible on the NFBC, that would make him the 35th-second baseman of the board. Interested?d.Joe Ryan's current ADP is 101. He is the 41st pitcher (30th starter). Would you rather have him as a #2 or #3 starter?e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Final Questions1.Who wins the AL Central2.Three teams made it to the playoffs in 2024; how many do you see making it in 2025?
Speaking at the GM Meetings, J.J. Picollo gave some idea of how the Royals view their team moving forward and what they are looking for.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are breaking down the Picollo comments and more...- Bubic is a starter?- Lynch could be a starter?- Singer's locked in the rotation.- Where will the Royals find OBP?- Shopping Bubic and Marsh?- Jac Caglianone scalding baseballs!
Take 10 with Tim – September 20, 20241.Shohei Ohtani had one of the greatest games in baseball history. 6 for 6, 3 HR, 2 SB and 10 RBI that led to the Dodgers clinching a playoff spot. He's now sitting on 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases, slashing .294/.376/.629 with 77 walks. Where does this stack up in the greatest season in baseball history? Here are some others…a.Barry Bonds (2001) – 73 HR, 137 RBI, 177 walks, .328 BA, .515 OBP, .863 SLGb.Barry Bonds (2004) – 45 HR, 232 walks, .362/.609/.812 c.Mickey Mantle (1956) – 52 HR, 130 RBI, 10 SB, .353/.464/.705d.Ricky Henderson (1982) – 130 SB, 119 runs, .398 OBPe.Bob Gibson (1968) – 34 starts, 28 complete games, 12 shutouts, a 1.12 ERA and 268 strikeouts.2.Luisangel Acuna has been the talk of fantasy baseball since he was promoted. He's hitting .467 with two home runs. Ronald who? What do you think so far?3.Landon Knack pitched well on Wednesday and should get another start against the Padres next week. Are you interested?4.What has happened to Bobby Miller? He had a brutal start this week, and then was optioned to Triple-A.5.The Orioles are 18-24 since Jordan Westburg got hurt. Before that, they were 66-44. It's clear he was a massive part of the equation. He is just about ready for his return.a.Does this return the Orioles to who they were in the early part of the season?b.Is Westburg an immediate insertion into a fantasy manager?c.Speaking of the Orioles, they DFA'd Craig Kimbrel on Wednesday. It went South in a hurry for him. What happened?6.Jose Quintana has been shoving it in the second half, particularly of late. He has a 3.11 ERA with six wins since the All-Star break and in his last five games, he's 4-0 with a 0.28 ERA but only 20 strikeouts.a.What do you make of this resurgence?b.Is he setting a new baseline or is this just a hot streak?7.We have discussed Ryan Pepiot much this season, but he's posted a 3.64 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 121 innings. He shoved it on Wednesday night with 12 K's in 6 innings, but still did not get the win.a.What do you think about him for next season?8.Any advice for these last two weeks of the season?9.Juan Soto hit his 40th home run this week and his 200th for his career. It's crazy to think he's only 25. I'm assuming you believe he's on an HOF path? Who of these ten current MLB players have a shot at making the Hall of Fame? I didn't include the three obvious guys (Trout, Scherzer, Verlander)1)Mookie Betts – Age 31, 69.4 WAR, 269 HR, 1,607 hits, .294 AVG, 1 MVP2)Manny Machado – Age 32, 57.8 WAR, 342 HR, 1,894 hits, .279 AVG, 0 MVP3)Jose Altuve – Age 34, 52.9 WAR, 228 HR, 2,227 hits, .306 AVG, 1 MVPi.BTW, Jose Altuve taking off his shoes and socks to prove to the home plate umpire was a classic. Just awesome! That alone should push him into Cooperstown4)Jose Ramirez – Age 32, 51.4 WAR, 251 HR, 1,488 hits, .278 AVG, 0 MVP5)Aaron Judge – Age 32, 51.2 WAR, 310 HR, 1,017 hits, .287 AVG, 1 MVP6)Francisco Lindor – Age 30, 49.3 WAR, 246 HR, 1,486 hits, .274 AVG, 0 MVP7)Bryce Harper – Age 31, 50.7 WAR, 335 HR, 1,662 hits, .282 AVG, 2 MVP8)Gerrit Cole – Age 34, 41.8 WAR, 151 wins, 2,239 Ks, 3.20 ERA, 1 CY Young9)Shohei Ontani – Age 30, 26.7 WAR, 219 HR, 861hits, .277 AVG, 2 MVP10)Ronald Acuna – Age 26, 25.8 WAR, 165 HR, 815 hits, .289 AVG, 1 MVPIt looks like you need at least a 70 WAR to make it.10.What hitter are you targeting for pickup this weekend?11.What pitcher are you targeting for pickup this weekend?
The Minnesota Twins prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez is fast-tracking his ways to the big leagues; The OBP machine was promoted to the St. Paul Saints; Is he a contributor for the 2025 Twins; Is he an insurance plan for Twins CF Byron Buxton; Will the Twins payroll be slashed again in 2025 and a Random Twin of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Minnesota Twins prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez is fast-tracking his ways to the big leagues; The OBP machine was promoted to the St. Paul Saints; Is he a contributor for the 2025 Twins; Is he an insurance plan for Twins CF Byron Buxton; Will the Twins payroll be slashed again in 2025 and a Random Twin of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Minnesota Twins prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez is fast-tracking his ways to the big leagues; The OBP machine was promoted to the St. Paul Saints; Is he a contributor for the 2025 Twins; Is he an insurance plan for Twins CF Byron Buxton; Will the Twins payroll be slashed again in 2025 and a Random Twin of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inspired by Daulton Varsho, Jeff Erickson and Fred Zinkie review which players are better in real life than fantasy, and which players are better in fantasy in real life, and try to find some underlying trends. --- 00:00 - Fred Pod 9-2 01:00 - Daulton Varsho comment from Sunday night. 02:15 - Varsho isn't a good real-life hitter, but he's been decent for fantasy this year ($8) and hit .281 with 18 runs and four homers in August. 04:50 - Players who were better in real life than fantasy this year. 05:00 - Bryce Harper. 11th in OPS but just a $22 player. He will hit 30 homers, but without many steals and his batting average is more good than great. 10:00 - Freddie Freeman. 14th in OPS but a $20 player. He may not reach 25 homers or 10 steals. Hitting .285, which is fine but not special. 17:00 - Riley Greene. 20th in OPS. But hitting .259 with 20 homers and 4 steals. Missed a bit of time, but his R/RBI aren't great either. An $11 player. 22:15 - Popular opinion is that J.D. Martinez has been very good for the Mets. It's true. He has a .777 OPS. But he has generated just $4 in fantasy. Just 16 HR, 0 SB, 108 R+RBI. 29:00 - Orioles talk - Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo 32:00 - Better in fantasy than real life. 32:20 - Maikel Garcia is second last in OPS. Has generated $17 in fantasy. The 33 steals and 83 runs scored are pretty awesome. 35:15 - Jacob Young is a poor man's version of Garcia. Eighth worst OPS but a $9 player thanks to hitting .258 with 31 steals and 69 runs. He's one of baseball's worst hitters but is helping fantasy teams in 3/5 categories. 38:35 - Zack Gelof has the 4th worst OBP of any qualified player. He also has 16 HR and 20 SB. A $4 player so far. 42:30 - Christopher Morel is batting .196 while somehow generating $3 in fantasy value. That's what 21 homers and 8 steals will do for you. 44:25 - Brice Turang has sunk to 13th worst in OPS but has generated $18 in fantasy production thanks to seven homers and 40 steals. Almost as valuable as Freeman. 46:15: - Firing up Julio Rodriguez, who's next? 47:00: - Alexis Diaz 52:25 - Good News for the Padres: Yu Darvish may return Wednesday; Joe Musgrove had a great start against the Tigers; Tatis is back. --- Pick6 Download the new DraftKings Pick Six app and use code RWPICKS. New customers play five bucks, and get fifty in Pick Six credits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices