Podcast appearances and mentions of Rob Manfred

Ken, Lima and producer John analyze the potential impact of an MLB salary floor on small-market teams, specifically focusing on the Cleveland Guardians' strategy of retaining homegrown talent. The discussion compares the MLB to other professional leagues and evaluates whether commissioner Rob Manfred's recent changes have helped or hindered the sport's growth. 01:32 - Guardians Salary Floor 04:46 - Draft Class Comparison 08:12 - CBA Approval Challenges 12:45 - Commissioner Rob Manfred

Today's word of the day is ‘misdirection' as in MLBPA as in MLB as in CBA as in proposal as in offer. The union has sent its first offering to the league. A press release. Talking points. Salaries. Taxes. Floors. Caps. Let's cover it all! (30:20) All the commissioners were on Pat McAfee yesterday. Rob Manfred made an appearance. Interesting. (31:50) Franchise valuations as part of the CBA in baseball? Hmm. I don't think The Athletic is correct here. (38:40) Review: Margo's Got Money Troubles. (40:30) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is ‘misdirection' as in MLBPA as in MLB as in CBA as in proposal as in offer. The union has sent its first offering to the league. A press release. Talking points. Salaries. Taxes. Floors. Caps. Let's cover it all! (30:20) All the commissioners were on Pat McAfee yesterday. Rob Manfred made an appearance. Interesting. (31:50) Franchise valuations as part of the CBA in baseball? Hmm. I don't think The Athletic is correct here. (38:40) Review: Margo's Got Money Troubles. (40:30) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bob Condotta joins Bump and Curtis to recap the Seahawks’ OTAs and his main takeaways,  then in Headline Rewrites Ian Rapoport says there could be a new Seahawks’ owner by the start of the season, the MLB may have a salary cap incoming, the Apple cup is back Sunday September 6th at 1PM, in NFL Headlines we have some updates on Mahomes and Micah Parsons, as well as some dark horse NFC teams that could make a run, then Bump and Curtis react to Rob Manfred’s takes on the state of baseball.   

Save on essentials. Save the everyday with Amazon. https://www.amazon.com Book your next trip at https://www.bestwestern.com Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TALKIN2026. Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount https://fanaticsmarkets.onelink.me/3MFw?af_xp=email&pid=jomboy&af_dp=fanmarkets%3A%2F%2Fhomepage&af_channel=partnerships&af_click_lookback=7d   Coach Trev and Talkin' Jake review every rule change Rob Manfred has made in his tenure and say if baseball has benefitted from them!   0:00 Intro 7:00 No leaving batters box 10:50 Chase Utley rule 15:19 no pitch intentional walk 17:15 mound visit limits 19:00 Single Trade deadline actually having a day 23:45 Manfred Man 29:00 3 batter minimum 32:30 sticky stuff crackdown 32:50 Universal DH   35:07 Postseason expansion 39:38 The Ohtani rule 41:40 Bigger bases 42:05 Pitch clock 44:26 Banning the shift - Jake wants to go further 49:17 Balanced schedule 53:30 Position player pitching limit 55:30 Draft lottery / anti tanking 57:45 ABS Challenges   Event contracts carry risk of total loss and changing prices. Not good  for all investors. Not available in all states. Must be 21+. See Important Disclosures in Fanatics Markets app. Customers are introduced to Crypto.com by Paragon Global Markets, LLC, d/b/a Fanatics Markets IB, an Introducing Broker registered with the CFTC and a Member of the NFA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Savannah Bananas have become one of the most polarizing topics on social media. Fans either love 'em or love how their kids react to them, or have a deep hatred of all things Banana Ball. Tony Mazur talks about the meteoric rise and how some kids' first introduction to baseball may be because of the Bananas, and that may not be the best thing. He also covers travel ball and the changes Rob Manfred has pushed onto the game to court younger fans the last decade.   Be sure to subscribe to Tony's Patreon. $3 gets you just audio, $5 gets video AND audio, and $10 has all of the above, as well as bonus podcasts per week. Visit Patreon.com/TonyMazur. Tony is also on Rumble! Go find his video podcasts over there for free.   Cover art for the Check Your Brain podcast is by Eric C. Fischer. If you need terrific graphic design work done, contact Eric at illstr8r@gmail.com.

Trevor Bauer joins Dan Dakich on Don't @ Me to break his silence on being blackballed by Rob Manfred and the truth behind his ban from Major League Baseball. Bauer dives deep into his physical health, media attacks, and the "chip on his shoulder" as he addresses the support from fellow players and his relentless drive to return to the mound. Subscribe to Don't @ Me for daily videos and shorts: https://tr.ee/M6w2km Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this segment of The Carton Show on WFAN, Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle cover a wide range of topics, from a heartbreaking MLB loss to behind-the-scenes insight on landing major sports guests. Craig explains how relationships helped him secure interviews with top figures like Adam Silver, Rob Manfred, & James Dolan and why WFAN doesn't rely on weekly athlete spots like the old days.

Andy begins with the latest news on Ovi watch. Plus, the passing of Davey Lopes. (16:51) Brandel Chamblee with some Masters talk. (34:42) Rob Manfred on the success of the new ABS system. To hear the whole show, tune in live from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Monday-Friday. For more sports coverage, download the ESPN630 AM app, visit https://www.sportscapitoldc.com. To join the conversation, check us out on twitter @ESPN630DC and @andypollin1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig Carton and Big Mac debate whether the New York Mets are coddling their fans by moving game times to avoid cold weather. They examine the legality of ticket vouchers for rescheduled games and react to a comical local news headline regarding student job experience. The conversation also covers Rob Manfred's influence on modern baseball and an upcoming live NFL Draft special on the WFAN roof. 01:50 - Mets Move Game Times 05:15 - MLB Ticket Voucher Laws 11:05 - Comparing New York Fans 15:30 - Live NFL Draft Special 19:50 - Fan Loyalty And Toughness 24:05 - Local News Headline Laughs 36:10 - Rob Manfred Baseball Rules 45:30 - College Basketball Transfer Parity

Joel and Sam are back with all your sports headlines and hottakes! ABS is such a stupid system that only Rob Manfred could have come up with it; the Illinois Illini are in the Final Four, but will their fans be allowed to drink?; the Democratic Republic of the Congo qualifies for the World Cup; and both the Red Sox and the White Sox are really bad right now!

A bold claim kicks off the final stretch as the conversation turns to whether Rob Manfred has quietly become the best commissioner in sports. It sparks a lively debate about what actually matters most to fans, from rule changes to overall enjoyment, and whether recent tweaks have truly improved the game. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber break down the biggest changes in baseball, including the pitch clock, ghost runner, and the ABS challenge system, debating what works and what still feels off. They also dive into early reactions from players and fans, strategy implications, and how these innovations are already shaping games in real time.

Jeff talks about the opening series and the first of 4 West Coast trips (thank you, Rob Manfred). Then, author A.M. Gittliz is here to discuss his new book, "Metropolitans: New York Baseball, Class Struggle, and the People's Team" (7:30). Join us! #Mets #LGM

Ben Maller talks about Tony Vitello's first game as skipper of the Giants as they get crushed 7-0 on Opening Day, C.C. Sabathia comparing Aaron Judge to Alex Rodriguez, Rob Manfred saying this was a "great Opening Day", and much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry's got Dave Sims on the call as the Yankees beat the Giants with a huge second inning. We had the first official ABS challenge in baseball last night. Rob Manfred did an interview in the fifth inning and it was quick and trite. We heard from Rick Pitino as he was waiting for his flight to go play Duke.

The Yankees secured an Opening Day win despite Aaron Judge's strikeouts, sparking debate over broadcast revenue and the looming lockout. Keith Hernandez then joined the conversation. Mets Opening Day arrives on Peacock with Bruce Beck joining us to talk about it. Also, all the clips from yesterday's Yanks win, Barry Bonds' anecdotes about hanging up on Steinbrenner, the first ABS challenges and clips of Rob Manfred and Rick Pitino. Finally, we covered Shaq's odd fake DMs, Citi Field parking struggles, and Gio's theory on Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne, ending with the Mets marking their 40th World Series anniversary.

Steve and Charlie criticized the MLB's Opening Day schedule for the start of the 2026 season. Koki Riley, an LSU reporter for The Advocate, joined Sports Talk. Riley recapped the Tigers' victory over Louisiana Tech. He evaluated the team's lineup issues, questioned their plan after losing Saturday starter Cooper Moore, and previewed LSU's matchup with Kentucky. Steve and Charlie listened to LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson's postgame media availability.

Netflix? Eh, didn't ruin the game for Yankees fans, but it was one big infomercial! Craig has no idea where the "Field of Dreams" game is played, and Elle Duncan doesn't know what home plate is called! The Rob Manfred interview was a complete whiff! And today every team dreams of winning the World Series, except the Mets! Plus, why the 9/9/9 challenge is a scam! All that, and more, on today's episode of The Craig Carton Show!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Manfred discussed the idea of moving the World Baseball Classic to midseason, and the WIP Afternoon Show debate whether it's a good idea.

No headlines as we jump right in with Detlef Schrempf. He casts some doubt on the vote to bring the Sonics back and makes fun of Bucky's golf game. :30- Would Chuck trust Bucky to perform heart surgery on him? Also, a change in the college football rulebook. :45- Is Rob Manfred actually doing a good job as MLB commissioner? Bucky isn't so sure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No headlines as we jump right in with Detlef Schrempf. He casts some doubt on the vote to bring the Sonics back and makes fun of Bucky's golf game. :30- Would Chuck trust Bucky to perform heart surgery on him? Also, a change in the college football rulebook. :45- Is Rob Manfred actually doing a good job as MLB commissioner? Bucky isn't so sure.

Ben Maller talks about Rob Manfred moving the World Baseball Classic to July, LeBron James saying that he no longer wants to own an NBA team, the Rams backing out of A.J. Brown trade talks with the Eagles over medicals, #AskBen, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Rob Manfred a little too turned on by the WBC? Rob Manfred seems to be really excited by all of the success of the WBC and we have a feeling he's going to try and change it to try and maximize and it won't be good! :30- Sup? Our listeners chime in on the text line to guide the discussion of this segment. Ask away! :45- We are done early for March Madness, so it's already time for one last thing!

Is Rob Manfred a little too turned on by the WBC? Rob Manfred seems to be really excited by all of the success of the WBC and we have a feeling he's going to try and change it to try and maximize and it won't be good! :30- Sup? Our listeners chime in on the text line to guide the discussion of this segment. Ask away! :45- We are done early for March Madness, so it's already time for one last thing! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We had a short show because of March Madness, but we still had a lot to talk about!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comOur man Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports is here to discuss how Ross Barkan and others are joining his MLB > NBA bandwagon. Is it true? What are the numbers to support the idea that MLB has surpassed the NBA? Topics! Include!* World Baseball Classic Buzz: Is our media rooting against us?* Rob Manfred's Reforms* One fascinating theory on why March Madness is fading from culture* Why did the PGA Tour outlast Liv Golf?* The strange bedfellows in Iran War media coverage* JD Vance getting surpassed by Marco Rubio as next president on Kalshi?

Full Hour 1 in The Sports Bar: Gene explains the Syracuse Orange head coaching search. Bills Ryan Van Demark signs offer sheet. Rochester Knighthawks Randy Mearns joins the show. Tim Schneider shares his bad take & much more.

Tonight, the United States and Venezuela face off in the finals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. And chances are, a lot of you will be watching. Based only on pool play, this year’s WBC viewership is up 142% from the 2023 tournament. 35,000 people have bought tickets to tonight’s final and over 100 million Japanese fans tuned in to watch Shohei Ohtani. Aaron Judge called the crowd at the U.S.-Mexico game on March 10th, “bigger and better than the World Series.” In this special episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez shares his reaction to the phenomenon that is the 2026 World Baseball Classic with his co-host Jason Kelly. Rodriguez talks about the national pride his fellow Dominicans felt over the past few weeks and explains why MLB commissioner Rob Manfred needs to capitalize on this momentum leading into what Rodriguez calls “the most important season in the history of the sport.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Konnor Griffin is making the Pirates decision difficult on what to do with him for opening day. Mullsy thinks that Griffin is making it clear that he is the best option to be the opening day shortstop. Griffin's current slugging percentage in the Spring is on par with the best of Barry Bonds' career. Mullsy thinks that the Pirates went on a spending spree (at least for their standards) due to pressure from Rob Manfred. Callers chime in on the pending Konnor Griffin situation. Donny Football Debrief – Should there be more dome stadiums in the NFL?

Today's word of the day is ‘peace' as in labor peace as in Major League Baseball as in Tony Clark as in MLBPA as in negotiations as in resignation. Wow. A shocking scandal has rocked the players' union. What does it all mean? Is this bad for the union? Are the owners giddy? (21:30) The fight over revenue in baseball is real. A lot of that is going to come from a new national television package. And MLB commissioner Rob Manfred gave us an inside look into what that may be. (31:20) Review: Anemone. (34:30) Mark Cuban says the NBA should embrace tanking. He says all teams tank. He tanked. He paid for it. His concern is with the in-arena experience being too expensive. (45:00) NPPOD. (47:10) The Minnesota Twins have some problems. So much money to players who can't play. The team looks bad. The team will likely be bad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is ‘peace' as in labor peace as in Major League Baseball as in Tony Clark as in MLBPA as in negotiations as in resignation. Wow. A shocking scandal has rocked the players' union. What does it all mean? Is this bad for the union? Are the owners giddy? (21:30) The fight over revenue in baseball is real. A lot of that is going to come from a new national television package. And MLB commissioner Rob Manfred gave us an inside look into what that may be. (31:20) Review: Anemone. (34:30) Mark Cuban says the NBA should embrace tanking. He says all teams tank. He tanked. He paid for it. His concern is with the in-arena experience being too expensive. (45:00) NPPOD. (47:10) The Minnesota Twins have some problems. So much money to players who can't play. The team looks bad. The team will likely be bad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A stunning off-field scandal rocks baseball as MLBPA chief Tony Clark resigns amid revelations of an inappropriate relationship, sending shockwaves through the sport at the worst possible time. What does this mean for the balance of power between players and owners? Could this leadership vacuum hand Rob Manfred and the owners the leverage they've been waiting for? The discussion dives into the looming labor battle, the growing push for a salary cap, and why the appointment of a hardline interim leader could push both sides toward a damaging showdown. Would either side actually sacrifice games to win the war? And after the lessons of past strikes, is baseball heading toward another lost season with nothing to show for it? Plus, the guys debate competitive balance, small-market frustrations, deferred mega-contracts, and the uncomfortable question every fan must answer: Would you give up a season to “fix” the sport? If you care about the future of baseball, this is a conversation you can't ignore. ⚾

Bobby kicks the show off by sharing with Alex an injury he sustained last week and what kind of impact it would have on his career if he were a pitcher for the Mets. Then, they discuss the bizarre Nick Castellanos Instagram post breaking the news that the reason he was suspended for one game in the 2025 season was because he brought a beer into the dugout. Finally, they discuss some Rob Manfred quotes about prediction markets and upcoming CBA negotiations. You're not prepared for the amount of Ayn Rand discussion in this podcast.Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tipping Pitches merchandise ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Call the Tipping Pitches voicemail: 785-422-5881Tipping Pitches features original music from Steve Sladkowski of PUP.

An in-depth breakdown of why this could be the last full MLB season for a while full 965 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:49:01 +0000 5X9BbanQAu05zu6EPwtNjIemJjKcW6An mlb,rob manfred,mlbpa,tony clark,sports The K&C Masterpiece mlb,rob manfred,mlbpa,tony clark,sports An in-depth breakdown of why this could be the last full MLB season for a while K&C Masterpiece on 105.3 The Fan 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Sports False https://playe

Baseball season is in full swing. Not regular season. But, you get it. Rob Manfred met with the media. More CBA negations. More prediction markets. The usual for commissioners these days. (15:34) Mets owner Steve Cohen met with the media. He is tired of losing. He will never have a captain. But he will spend and spend and spend. (33:30) The Yankees MVP had problems with the team's offseason, but then he didn't. Is he really okay with the team running it back? (41:25) Nick Castellanos is no longer a Phillie. He's San Diego bound. The end of his tenure in Philadelphia was an absolute mess. (47:50) Casey Wasserman is selling his agency. Casey Wasserman has been asked to stepped down as head of LA28. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baseball season is in full swing. Not regular season. But, you get it. Rob Manfred met with the media. More CBA negations. More prediction markets. The usual for commissioners these days. (15:34) Mets owner Steve Cohen met with the media. He is tired of losing. He will never have a captain. But he will spend and spend and spend. (33:30) The Yankees MVP had problems with the team's offseason, but then he didn't. Is he really okay with the team running it back? (41:25) Nick Castellanos is no longer a Phillie. He's San Diego bound. The end of his tenure in Philadelphia was an absolute mess. (47:50) Casey Wasserman is selling his agency. Casey Wasserman has been asked to stepped down as head of LA28. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Corea del Sur busca redención en el World Baseball Classic 2026. Tras actuaciones irregulares en ediciones recientes, la selección asiática quiere volver a competir al más alto nivel y recuperar su estatus como una de las potencias históricas del béisbol internacional. En este episodio analizamos: ⚾ Previa WBC: Corea y su misión de reivindicación ⚾ Rob Manfred optimista con MLB en los Juegos Olímpicos ⚾ Phillies dejan en libertad a Nick Castellanos ⚾ Dodgers retienen a Kiké Hernández y Max Muncy ⚾ Anthony Banda cambiado a Twins | Mitch Spence a Royals ⚾ William Contreras evita arbitraje con Brewers ⚾ Magallanes vs Caimanes: Final de la Serie de las Américas ¿Puede Corea sorprender en el WBC? ¿Tiene el talento suficiente para competir con Japón, Estados Unidos y República Dominicana? Déjanos tu opinión en los comentarios

Apparently, the MLB commissioner is making fans spend a lot of money to watch their favorite sport.

Would the NCAA be smart to implement a NIL cap for college football/basketball?

The news Mets fans feared becomes reality as Kyle Tucker chooses the Los Angeles Dodgers over the New York Mets. Evan reacts with raw frustration, breaking down why this one hurts even though the Mets made a massive and legitimate offer. Tiki Barber explains why the Dodgers always win these battles, how their financial edge changes everything, and why no one should be surprised. The conversation turns from Tucker to the bigger picture as Evan questions the Mets' offseason direction, the failure to replace Pete Alonso, and what the real pivot is with spring training approaching. Is this anger really about Tucker, or about the position the Mets have put themselves in? Plus a Winston Churchill inspired rally cry, and a brewing conspiracy involving MLB and Rob Manfred. A must listen for Mets fans trying to figure out where this team goes next and whether there is still a path to contention.

Evan unloads a full conspiracy theory: Rob Manfred is not mad about the Dodgers dominating baseball, he's thrilled. The idea is simple and terrifying. Let the Dodgers keep stacking stars, let fans scream “baseball is broken,” and then use that outrage to win the PR war for a salary cap the players will hate. Tiki buys it immediately, even as they admit it still might never work. From there, the focus snaps back to the Mets problem that keeps getting louder: they can “try” for Tucker, but where's the backup plan? A caller compares Cashman's quick Soto pivot to the Mets dragging their feet, and the guys dig into the bigger issue: Stearns will spend huge AAV, but refuses to go long term, which kills half the market. Then it turns into pure show chaos: Free Agent Bingo standings, Knicks misery, and Mets fans roasting the offseason, including a fake “Mets fan” troll call and the return of the “chomping at the bit” debate right before Evan teases a pivot plan that does not include Cody Bellinger.

Tiki tries to keep it calm, Evan absolutely does not. Kyle Tucker is officially a Dodger, and the anger is not just about losing the player, it's about how the Mets ended up stuck with no clear direction again. Evan breaks down why the Mets' offer was real, why being “close” never matters against L.A., and how the Dodgers treat the luxury tax like pocket change. The conversation quickly turns into a full Mets identity crisis. No Pete Alonso, no obvious pivot, and spring training right around the corner. Calls pour in debating whether Tucker could survive New York, why stars keep choosing the Dodgers, and how the Mets are supposed to compete with Philly and Atlanta. Plus Evan drops a full conspiracy theory on Rob Manfred, MLB, and why the Dodgers dominating the sport might be exactly what the league wants.

Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use promo code JMBASEBALLUse our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TALKIN2026. Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Coach Trev and Talkin' Jake break down the two most recent MLB trades, Rob Manfred's interview on salary cap and expansion, Kyle Tucker rumors and more! 0:00 Intro4:00 Max Kepler suspension8:50 Nolan Arenado traded to the Diamondbacks16:20 What's going on in St Louis21:35 Yankees trade for Ryan Weathers34:00 Rob Manfred interview53:00 Expansion and Realignment1:00:45 Kyle Tucker Rumors Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fast Track! Mason and Ireland dive back into the comments from Rob Manfred last week about possible changes for the MLB. More Fast Track! No USC Quarterback has even played in the Superbowl in the NFL, will Caleb Williams or Sam Darnold be the first? Game of Games, plus Supercross Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a breakup of baseball lookalikes, minor league free agent draft eligibility, and more players who unretired after becoming coaches, then break down the latest baseball broadcasting developments, Rob Manfred’s recent comments (about his priorities and future, an offseason signing deadline, and regular-season structure), Tarik Skubal’s historic arbitration case, and, inspired by sensational hockey streaming series Heated Rivalry (which they discuss without spoilers), when an active MLB player might publicly come out. Audio intro: Benny and a Million Shetland Ponies, “Effectively Wild Theme (Horny)” Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to MLBTR on Fitzgerald Link to Sojo article Link to Campbell hiring Link to TV network news Link to MLBTR on TV networks Link to TV network news 2 Link to Entertainment Strategy Guy Link to streaming revenue info Link to more on streaming revenue Link to Manfred on a signing deadline Link to Rooker tweet Link to Harper sales article 1 Link to Harper sales article 2 Link to Manfred’s tournament comments Link to MLBTR on Skubal Link to The Athletic on Skubal Link to Passan on Skubal Link to Ben on arbitration Link to MLBTR on Kepler Link to Heated Rivalry Link to hockey culture article Link to Outsports article Link to Take Me Out wiki Link to EW Episode 1776 Link to Unwritten Rules Link to Manfred’s diversity comments Link to Venezuela article Sponsor Us on Patreon Give a Gift Subscription Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com Effectively Wild Subreddit Effectively Wild Wiki Apple Podcasts Feed Spotify Feed YouTube Playlist Facebook Group Bluesky Account Twitter Account Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

This week's highlights include James Dolan in studio with Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle to talk all things Knicks and Rangers, while MLB commissioner Rob Manfred also paid them a visit. Plus, Blueshirts legend Mark Messier in studio with Boomer and Gio, and Joe Benigno joined Evan and Tiki for a classic Jets rant.

Ben Maller talks about MLB commissioner Rob Manfred planning to add an in-season tournament and a split-season to MLB, many teams bailing out on their regional cable TV deals, the latest on the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes in Detroit, Lame Jokes of the Week, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 starts with the mystery of Evan's pre-recorded question for MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred that never made air, and the behind-the-scenes explanation from Craig Carton on why it got spiked. The guys finally reveal the question, argue whether it was fair or “too much,” and debate Manfred's obsession with a salary cap and the financial gap between big and small markets. Then the conversation turns into full MLB confusion as Manfred talks realignment, geography, and keeping the Mets and Yankees separate, and nobody can quite agree on what he actually meant. Calls roll in to interpret it, while Evan vents about owners crying “unable” instead of “unwilling” to spend. Plus, the show pivots to Wild Card weekend storylines, including how often teams win rematches, and a fun deep dive into Tiki Barber's playoff games where he faced an opponent for the third time in the same season. The hour also touches on the Giants coaching search optics, Evan's choice between banishing Woody Johnson or Rob Manfred, and a Yankees offseason debate about Cody Bellinger's market and whether Brian Cashman should pivot to Bo Bichette.

Evan explains how he was promised a chance to ask Rob Manfred a question on the air, only to have it pulled at the last second for being “too disrespectful.” The show finally reveals the question about a salary cap, debates whether it crossed the line, and argues if it would have forced a real answer from the commissioner. Craig Carton explains why it never aired, while Tiki Barber compares his version of a Manfred question to how it was actually asked on the show. The segment then spirals into total confusion when Manfred discusses MLB realignment, geography, and keeping the New York Yankees and New York Mets out of the same division. Evan and Tiki try to decode what he actually meant, whether MLB is moving toward an East vs West conference model, and why the explanation left more questions than answers. The segment wraps with listener calls, World Baseball Classic timing debates, and breaking news that Ketel Marte is not being traded after weeks of rumors.

The crew debates the one question every baseball fan would want to ask Rob Manfred. The conversation dives into the widening financial gap in Major League Baseball, whether teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers are exploiting the system, and why a true salary cap could blow up the sport all over again. From fears of another labor war to the idea that would hit New York fans hardest, the possibility of the New York Yankees and New York Mets eventually sharing a division, this segment breaks down what really matters, what Manfred will never say out loud, and why one honest answer could change baseball's future overnight.