Running The Bases

Part 3 of our extensive breakdown of the Hot Stove Season looks at the entire National League! In the East, the Braves (0:38), Phillies (4:20), Marlins (7:22), Mets (9:42), and Nats (14:02). In the Central, Reds (19:38), Brewers (22:12), Pirates (25:00), Cards (31:15) and Cubs (36:00). Then in the West, Padres (41:25), D-Backs (44:06), Rockies (49:15), Giants (53:53) and Dodgers (58:42). Finally, a farewell to 2016, a turbulent year that produced incredible Baseball (1:06:14). See you in 2017!

Part 2 of our extensive tour of the Hot Stove league looks at the AL Central and the AL West. In the Central, is Joe Mauer the "Greatest Albatross Contract" of all time (3:00)? After Sale, are the rest of the White Sox up for grabs (5:15)? Starting pitchers may be a thing of the past (17:45), and if it's All for One Cleveland (24:50). In the West, when is there more than Trout (30:05)? The Astros as the team to watch (35:26), doing it for the King in Seattle (40:56), and every move is bigger in Texas (47:00).

We dive into our breakdown of every MLB Team in the Hot Stove Season, starting with the AL East. Out of the Box, what's missing from the new CBA (0:46), the issue of domestic violence and hazing (5:25), and debate over Bud Selig in the HOF (12:46). With the Hot Stove in full swing, we look at the chaos of the Winter Meetings (22:22), and a team-by-team breakdown of the AL East (31:14), the "Most Competitive Division in Baseball".

Tyler Boronski, young sports vlogger and reporter for the Bridgeport Bluefish, joins the podcast to talk about the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, Big Pappi's last game in the Bronx, interviewing the "D-Train", and the joys of watching batting practice. Find his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/Tbautos512.

Coach and Tucker reflect on the pure joy of the 2016 World Series. Awards talk and predictions on "Who Deserves to Win" vs. "Who Will Win" (5:30), the under appreciated year of Dave Roberts (16:20), and throwing the Yankees a bone (18:47). The Braves make a "BIG" free agent signing (24:17), how trades will eclipse FA signings this offseason (27:28), and if the Tigers can really move their albatross contracts (28:36). Coming into home, Coach and Tucker share their thoughts on the Presidential Election, how in times of upheaval, we can always find joy in the National Pastime (30:12). "Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you..."

Coach and Tucker discuss the sights and sounds of the 2016 World Series through 5 games, and whether "Game 6" is greater in World Series history than "Game 7."

Cubs vs. Indians... Someone has to win. Of all the World Series preview shows for this historic match-up!... This is one of them.

Coach and Tucker recap the first two weeks of the Postseason, and debate the Micro-Managing trend in October. Out of the box, farewell to the even-year reign of the Giants (4:35), the Indians slamming the cover on the Red Sox fairy tale (13:00), and the broke-down Nats (16:32). First to Third on the 6 million pitching changes (20:45), Roberts playing too close to the spreadsheet (27:00) versus Francona's expert feel for his team and the moment (31:00). Coming into Home, the strike-zone is under fire more than ever, so is it time for the Dawn of the Robot Umpires? (35:00)

Coach and I are back, and ready for the best time of year! Out of the Box, reflections from the WBC Qualifier in Brooklyn (1:00) and special praise for Team Israel! We preview the MLB Postseason, starting with the NL (10:12), with sadness about the Pirates' season (17:55). AL Preview (18:12), Papi's storybook ending, and the missing out on Trout (25:52). Coming into Home, the Cubs and the Apocalypse (38:00), proper farewells to Vin, Turner Field, and the soul of Jose Fernandez (42:23).

The Mighty Yankees have fallen on hard times. With ARod's retirement, comes the end of one of the most bizarre careers in the history of baseball. Out of the Box, love for Ichiro's 3000th hit (1:12), then the "State of the Empire" (8:42) and if the Yankees are still the "Brand of Baseball" (15:38). Who is Alex Rodriguez? Or... What was Alex Rodriguez (25:35)? When will the Empire Be Great Again (39:25)?

Our 2016 MLB Trade Deadline special! Out of the box, we give love to the new class of the Hall of Fame (4:00) and what future speech would demand seeing the induction live (10:45). We welcome the Yankees to the seller's market (12:30), the White Sox "slashing" inventory with Sale (17:30), and the Royals unloading (25:00). The Buyer's feature the Rangers (43:00), the curious Tigers situation (51:00), and if the Rockies can Roll like it's 2007 (56:00).

Cuba has long had a passion for baseball that rivals, even surpasses that of the United States. Coach and I walk through the beautiful, often volatile history of baseball in Cuba, how the game has evolved in the country, the dangers of players escaping to the Majors, and how today's game embraces the Latin style of play.

Orwin Smith, good friend and star Georgia Tech alumni, joins RTB for a new "Off the Bag" podcast. We discuss life after ball, the reality of putting your kids in tackle football, and helping fellow collegiate athletes transition into the working world.

All-Star fan voting ends on June 30th, and we weigh in on who our starters would be, versus who leads in the polls. Out of the box, we give love to Cleveland, the Braves' recent success (4:22), and the surging Rangers (8:47). Issues with the ASG selection process (11:38), the AL starters (17:56), the NL starters (25:32), and round into home with Kershaw's season for the ages (42:08).

From when Bob Feller threw against a motorcycle, to the VR hitting machines of today, we look at the evolution of training and equipment in baseball history. The different measures of performance (7:30), the torque bat craze (17:00), the advancement of protection (26:00), and who has the technology advantage, the hitters or pitchers (37:00)? Coming into home, we pay our respects to "The Greatest", Muhammad Ali (43:00).

With Odor landing a "Rocky-esque" right cross on Joey Bats, we take a look at the sad and dangerous history of Brawls in Baseball. Out of the box, the Phillies are surprisingly good, the Yankees are really bad (3:45), and jump to the 10:12 mark for the Brawling Conversation.

From the horrors of Atlanta Fulton-County and the "Concrete Doughnuts", to the infamous "Park Jerrie" in Montreal, we recall some of the worst stadiums in baseball history. A "Good, Bad and Ugly" on the surprising(?) White Sox, Astros, and the rash of PED suspensions. Jump to the 20:00 mark for the stadium conversations.

We breakdown the first 2 weeks of the 2016 MLB season, the Dangers of Tanking, and yet another player involved in a domestic violence incident.

Part 2 of our 2016 MLB predictions, looking at the National League: The "Haves" and the "Have Nots", in a year where there are 2 entirely different classes of teams within the NL... American League in Part 1!

Our 2016 MLB predictions, beginning with the American League. This may be the most wide open field in the AL in over 40 years... National League in Part 2!